Lighting apparatus with adjustable lenses or filters

ABSTRACT

A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. Lenses and/or filters are adjusted in distance from the light elements, by for example moving the lenses/filters into different slot positions of the frame, to alter characteristics of the emitted light. Focal lenses, diffusion lenses, and color filters may be used individually or in combination. A compound lens includes lens elements having different characteristics arranged in a pattern. Through groupwise control of the intensity of the light elements, the different characteristics are emphasized or de-emphasized. The light panel may have an integrated battery, and may be mounted on a stand. The panel may be modular, allowing larger panels to be constructed from smaller panels.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/108,608 filed Apr. 18, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/005,564 filed Dec. 4, 2004, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/238,973 filed Sep.9, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,823, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/949,206 filed Sep.7, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,310, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1) Field of the Invention

The field of the present invention relates to lighting apparatus andsystems as may be used in film, television, photography, and otherapplications.

2) Background

Lighting systems are an integral part of the film and photographyindustries. Proper illumination is necessary when filming movies,television shows, or commercials, when shooting video clips, or whentaking still photographs, whether such activities are carried outindoors or outdoors. A desired illumination effect may also be desiredfor live performances on stage or in any other type of setting.

A primary purpose of a lighting system is to illuminate a subject toallow proper image capture or achieve a desired effect. Often it isdesirable to obtain even lighting that minimizes shadows on or acrossthe subject. It may be necessary or desired to obtain lighting that hasa certain tone, warmth, or intensity. It may also be necessary ordesired to have certain lighting effects, such as colorized lighting,strobed lighting, gradually brightening or dimming illumination, ordifferent intensity illumination in different fields of view.

Various conventional techniques for lighting in the film and televisionindustries, and various illustrations of lighting equipment, aredescribed, for example, in Lighting for Television and Film by GeraldMillerson (3^(rd) ed. 1991), hereby incorporated herein by reference inits entirety, including pages 96-131 and 295-349 thereof, and inProfessional Lighting Handbook by Verne Carlson (2^(nd) ed. 1991), alsohereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including pages15-40 thereof.

As one example illustrating a need for an improved lighting effectssystem, it can be quite challenging to provide proper illumination forthe lighting of faces in television and film, especially for situationswhere close-ups are required. Often, certain parts of the face must beseen clearly. The eyes, in particular, can provide a challenge forproper lighting. Light reflected in the eyes is known as “eye lights” or“catch lights.” Without enough reflected light, the eyes may seem dull.A substantial amount of effort has been expended in constructinglighting systems that have the proper directivity, intensity, tone, andother characteristics to result in aesthetically pleasing “eye lights”while also meeting other lighting requirements, and without adverselyimpacting lighting of other features.

Because of the varied settings in which lighting systems are used, theconventional practice in the film, commercial, and related industries isfor a lighting system, when needed, to be custom designed for eachshoot. This practice allows the director or photographer to haveavailable a lighting system that is of the necessary size, and thatprovides the desired intensity, warmth, tone and effects. Designing andbuilding customized lighting systems, however, is often an expensive andtime-consuming process.

The most common lighting systems in film, commercial, and photographicsettings use either incandescent or fluorescent light elements. However,conventional lighting systems have drawbacks or limitations which canlimit their flexibility or effectiveness. For example, incandescentlights have been employed in lighting systems in which they have beenarranged in various configurations, including on ring-shaped mountingframes. However, the mounting frames used in incandescent lightingsystems are often large and ponderous, making them difficult to movearound and otherwise work with. A major drawback of incandescentlighting systems is the amount of heat generating by the incandescentbulbs. Because of the heat intensity, subjects cannot be approached tooclosely without causing discomfort to the subject and possibly affectingthe subject's make-up or appearance. Also, the heat from theincandescent bulbs can heat the air in the proximity of the camera;cause a “wavering” effect to appear on the film or captured image.Incandescent lighting may cause undesired side effects when filming,particularly where the intensity level is adjusted. As the intensitylevel of incandescent lights change, their hue changes as well. Film isespecially sensitive to these changes in hue, significantly more so thanthe human eye.

In addition to these problems or drawbacks, incandescent lightingsystems typically draw quite a bit of power, especially for largerlighting systems which may be needed to provide significant wide areaillumination. Incandescent lighting systems also generally require awall outlet or similar standard source of alternating current (AC)power.

Fluorescent lighting systems generate much less heat than incandescentlighting systems, but nevertheless have their own drawbacks orlimitations. For example, fluorescent lighting systems, likeincandescent lighting systems, are often large and cumbersome.Fluorescent bulbs are generally tube-shaped, which can limit thelighting configuration or mounting options. Circular fluorescent bulbsare also commercially available, and have been used in the past formotion picture lighting.

A major drawback with fluorescent lighting systems is that the lowlighting levels can be difficult or impossible to achieve due to thenature of fluorescent lights. When fluorescent lights are dimmed, theyeventually begin to flicker or go out as the supplied energy reaches theexcitation threshold of the gases in the fluorescent tubes.Consequently, fluorescent lights cannot be dimmed beyond a certainlevel, greatly limiting their flexibility. In addition, fluorescentlights suffer from the same problem as incandescent lights when theirintensity level is changed; that is, they tend to change in hue as theintensity changes, and film is very sensitive to alterations in lightinghue.

Typically, incandescent or fluorescent lighting systems are designed tobe placed off to the side of the camera, or above or below the camera.Because of such positioning, lighting systems may provide uneven oroff-center lighting, which can be undesirable in many circumstances.

Because of their custom nature, both incandescent lighting systems andfluorescent lighting systems can be difficult to adapt to different orchanging needs of a particular film project or shoot. For example, ifthe director or photographer decides that a different lightingconfiguration should be used, or wants to experiment with differenttypes of lighting, it can be difficult, time-consuming, and inconvenientto re-work or modify the customized lighting setups to provide thedesired effects. Furthermore, both incandescent lighting systems andfluorescent lighting systems are generally designed for placement off tothe side of the camera, which can result in shadowing or unevenlighting.

A variety of lighting apparatus have been proposed for the purpose ofinspecting objects in connection with various applications, but theselighting apparatus are generally not suitable for the movie, film orphotographic industries. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,417, herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a surfaceilluminator for directing illumination on an object (i.e., a singlefocal point). The surface illuminator has a number of light-emittingdiodes (LEDs) arranged in concentric circles on a lamp-supportinghousing having a circular bore through which a microscope or othersimilar instrument can be positioned. The light from the LEDs isdirected to a single focal point by either of two methods. According toone technique disclosed in the patent, a collimating lens is used toangle the light from each ring of LEDs towards the single focal point.According to another technique disclosed in the patent, each ring ofLEDs is angled so as to direct the light from each ring on the singlefocal point.

Other examples of lighting apparatus used for the purpose of inspectingobjects are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,893,223 and 5,038,258, both ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Inboth of these patents, LEDs are placed on the interior of a sphericalsurface, so that their optical axes intersect at a desired focal point.

Lighting apparatus specially adapted for illumination of objects to beinspected are generally not suitable for the special needs of the film,commercial, or photographic industries, or with live stage performances,because the lighting needs in these fields differs substantially fromwhat is offered by object inspection lighting apparatus. For example,movies and commercials often require illumination of a much larger areathat what object inspection lighting systems typically provide, and evenstill photography often requires that a relatively large subject beilluminated. In contrast, narrow-focus lighting apparatuses aregenerally designed for an optimum working distance of only a few inches(e.g., 3 to 4 inches) with a relatively small illumination diameter.

Still other LED-based lighting apparatus have been developed for variouslive entertainment applications, such as theaters and clubs. Theselighting apparatus typically include a variety of colorized LEDs in huessuch as red, green, and blue (i.e., an “RGB” combination), and sometimesinclude other intermixed bright colors as well. These types of apparatusare not well suited for applications requiring more precision lighting,such as film, television, and so on. Among other things, the combinationof red, green, and blue (or other) colors creates an uneven lightingeffect that would generally be unsuitable for most film, television, orphotographic applications. Moreover, most of these LED-based lightingapparatus suffer from a number of other drawbacks, such as requiringexpensive and/or inefficient power supplies, incompatibility withtraditional AC dimmers, lack of ripple protection (when connecteddirectly to an AC power supply), and lack of thermal dissipation.

In the context of film and television, various attempts have been madeto develop camera-mounted lighting fixtures; however, prior attempts toprovide a suitable camera-mounted lighting fixture suffer from a varietyof potential drawbacks. For example, conventional camera-mountedlighting fixtures using incandescent or fluorescent lighting elementssuffer from the same drawbacks as described above, and can causeundesirable shadowing or other side effects. Also, camera-mountedlighting fixtures which are designed to connect to the camera's batterycan cause premature depletion of the battery. Other lighting fixturesare designed to be powered by a battery pack which is worn, typically ona belt, by the camera operator. Such battery belts are often heavy andcumbersome, and may require lengthy power cords that can interfere withcamera maneuverability.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a lighting apparatus orlighting effects system that is versatile and portable, and may find usein a variety of applications. It would further be advantageous toprovide a lighting apparatus or lighting effects system that is wellsuited for use in the film, commercial, and/or photographic industries,and/or with live stage performances, that overcomes one or more of theforegoing disadvantages, drawbacks, or limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally directed in one aspect to a novel andversatile lighting apparatus. According to one embodiment as disclosedherein, a lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panelframe, with a plurality of semiconductor light elements, such as LEDs,secured to the panel frame. Through adjustable lenses or other means,the focus or spread of light emitted from the light elements may beadjusted, and/or the mixture or variation of color hue may be adjustedthrough selective dimming/brightness of groups of the lighting elements.The focus or spread of light may be adjusted, in certain embodiments, byadjusting the distance from a focal/spreading lens to the light emittingelements. Alternatively, or in addition, a focal/spreading lens may becomprised of different lens elements, which may, for example,individually or groupwise provide differing amounts of focus/spread tothe emitted light. Different color hues may be achieved by usinglighting elements which emit light at different color temperatures,and/or by color gels which filter the color emitted from a selectedgroup of the lighting elements. The amount of light diffusion may bevariable, by means of one or more adjustable diffusion lenses.

In certain embodiments, a self-contained battery unit may securablyattach to the outside of the panel frame. When attached together, thelight panel and self-contained battery unit may function as anintegrated lighting apparatus. Optionally, the light panel may have anintegrated dimmer switch, and may also be capable of receiving powerfrom a source other than the self-contained battery unit.

in various forms and embodiments, the lighting apparatus may be adaptedfor being mounted to a camera or a stand (e.g., by adding a yoke), andmay include adapters for such a purpose. The lighting apparatus may alsobe provided with a focusing lens, a diffusion lens or color gels, whichmay be integrated with or detachable from the light panel. The lightingapparatus may conveniently be provided in the form of a kit, with one ormore of a light panel, self-contained battery unit, compact stand,connecting cable(s), adapter(s), lenses or color gels, and so on, beingprovided in a single package to allow flexibility and versatility tousers in the field.

Further embodiments, variations and enhancements are also disclosedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a lighting effects system inaccordance with one embodiment as disclosed herein, illustratingplacement of a camera relative to a lighting frame.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a lighting effects system showing variouscomponents of a preferred system.

FIG. 3 is an oblique view diagram illustrating an example of attachmentof one type of camera mounting assembly to a particular type of lightingassembly frame.

FIG. 4 is a front view diagram of a lighting assembly frame with small,low-power lamps to provide illumination arranged in a preferred pattern.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating aspects of the lighting effect providedby a lighting assembly such as, for example, shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating various human eye features that may beof interest in providing illumination for films, commercials orphotography.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a light segment as may be used, for example, withthe lighting assembly of FIG. 4, along with filtering lens(es).

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a filtering lens on anindividual light element.

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a frequency distribution of light inaccordance with one lighting effects system embodiment as disclosedherein.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are a block diagrams of two different types ofelectronic controllers as may be employed, for example, in the lightingeffects system illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is an oblique view diagram of another embodiment of a lightingassembly frame as disclosed herein.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating various options and accessories as maybe used in connection with the lighting assembly frame depicted in FIG.11.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of electronic control circuitry as may be employed,for example, with the lighting effects system illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating a frequency distribution of light inaccordance with another lighting effects system embodiment as disclosedherein.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing an oblique view and a top view,respectively, of a portion of a lighting assembly frame.

FIG. 15C is a diagram illustrating assembly of a lighting assembly framefrom two halves thereof.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams showing an oblique view and a top view,respectively, of the backside of the lighting assembly frame portionillustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, while FIGS. 16C, 16D and 16E arediagrams showing details of the lighting assembly frame portion shown inFIGS. 16A and 16B.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a cover as may be used in connection with thelighting effects system of FIG. 2 or the frame assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a portion of a preferred camera mountingassembly.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams collectively illustrating another portionof a preferred camera mounting assembly.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of a retention clip for a camera mounting assembly.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of a plunger used in connection with attaching amounting assembly to a lighting frame, in accordance with one techniqueas disclosed herein.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of a mounting assembly with components from FIGS.18 and 19 shown assembled.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating one technique for attaching a cameramounting assembly to a lighting frame.

FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 are diagram of components relating to another typeof camera mounting assembly.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing components of FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 assembledtogether.

FIGS. 28 and 29 are diagrams of alternative embodiments of integral orsemi-integral camera mounting assemblies.

FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C are diagrams illustrating various alternativelamp patterns.

FIG. 31 is a diagrams of an LED suitable for surface mounting.

FIG. 32 is a diagram of a lighting array mounted atop a circuit board.

FIG. 33 is a diagram of one embodiment of a lighting effects systemhaving at least two different lamp colors.

FIG. 34 is a diagram of another embodiment of a lighting effects systemhaving at least two different lamp colors.

FIG. 35 is a diagram of a lighting apparatus embodied as a panel havinglighting arrays mounted thereon.

FIGS. 36A and 36B are side-view diagrams of two different types ofsurface-mount LEDs, and FIG. 36C is an oblique image of the LED shown inFIG. 36A.

FIG. 37A is a diagram of one embodiment of a lens cap for an LED, and

FIGS. 37B and 37C are diagrams illustrating placement of the lens capwith respect to a particular type of LED.

FIGS. 37D and 37E are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of a lenscap for an LED, and placement thereof with respect to a particular typeof LED.

FIG. 38A is a front view diagram of a ring-shaped lighting frameassembly with surface-mount LEDs arranged on the lighting frame.

FIG. 38B is a side view diagram of one embodiment of the lighting frameassembly illustrated in FIG. 36A, showing backside fins for heatdissipation.

FIGS. 39 and 40 are diagrams illustrating examples of a panel light withsurface mount LEDs.

FIG. 41A is an oblique view diagram of a panel light illustratingbackside fins and a groove for attachment to a multi-panel lightingassembly, and FIG. 41B is a diagram of a multi-panel lighting assemblyillustrating attachment of the panel light shown in FIG. 41A.

FIG. 42A is a diagram of a detachable integrated lens sheet for a panellight, and FIGS. 42B-42D are more detailed diagrams of portions of theintegrated lens sheet.

FIG. 43 is a diagram of a multi-panel lighting assembly employed on alighting stand.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating an adjustable lenscover of the type shown in FIG. 12, and an optional mechanism forsecuring interiorly positioned color gel(s) and/or lens filter(s).

FIG. 45 is a diagram of a flexible LED strip with surface mount LEDs.

FIG. 46 is a diagram of a ring-shaped lighting frame assembly withmultiple fluorescent lights.

FIGS. 47A and 47B are diagrams of a lighting apparatus in accordancewith one embodiment as disclosed herein.

FIGS. 48A and 48B are diagrams of the lighting apparatus in FIGS. 47A-Btogether with an attachable battery unit.

FIGS. 49A and 49B are diagrams showing attachment of the lightingapparatus in FIGS. 47A-B and 48A-B to the attachable battery unit ofFIGS. 48A-B.

FIG. 50A is a diagram illustrating placement of a lens and optionalcolor gel on the integrated light panel and battery apparatus of FIGS.48A-B, and FIG. 50B is a side view diagram illustrating the lens inplace.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing one possible means for mounting an LEDlight panel to a camera.

FIGS. 52A, 52B and 52C are diagrams illustrating attachment of variousmounting pins to the lighting apparatus shown in FIGS. 47A-B.

FIGS. 53A through 53D are diagrams showing different views of anintegrated LED light panel and battery apparatus mounted on a stand.

FIG. 54 is a diagram showing details of one possible mounting armconfiguration for the stand illustrated in FIGS. 53A-D.

FIG. 55 is a diagram of a light panel attached to a stand.

FIG. 56 is a simplified block diagram illustrating components of abattery unit in accordance with one embodiment as disclosed herein.

FIG. 57 is a functional block diagram illustrating circuits orcomponents of an LED light panel in accordance with one embodiment asdisclosed herein.

FIG. 58 is a diagram of an alternative embodiment of a battery unit,including an adapter panel and at least one attachable battery.

FIG. 59 is a diagram illustrating a panel light with one or moreadapters for mounting or affixing the panel light.

FIGS. 60 and 61 are diagrams of a panel light mounted to different typesof tripods.

FIG. 62 is a diagram of a stackable panel light, shown mounted on astand.

FIGS. 63A and 63B are diagrams of an embodiment of a camera-mountablelighting apparatus.

FIGS. 64A and 64B are diagrams of another embodiment of a panel light,having one or more adjustable lenses or gels.

FIG. 65 is a diagram illustrating side and front views of a“checkerboard” compound lens as may be used, for example, with variouspanel lights as disclosed herein.

FIG. 66 is a front view diagram illustrating a compound lens such asillustrated in FIG. 65 positioned in front of the main lighting surfaceof a light panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Before describing preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention, anexplanation is provided of several terms used herein.

The term “lamp element” is intended to refer to any controllableluminescent device, whether it be a light-emitting diode (“LED”),light-emitting electrochemical cell (“LEC”), a fluorescent lamp, anincandescent lamp, or any other type of artificial light source. Theterm “semiconductor light element” or “semiconductor light emitter”refers to any lamp element that is manufactured in whole or part usingsemiconductor techniques, and is intended to encompass at leastlight-emitting diodes (LEDs) and light-emitting electrochemical cell(LECs).

The term “light-emitting diode” or “LED” refers to a particular class ofsemiconductor devices that emit visible light when electric currentpasses through them, and includes both traditional low power versions(operating in, e.g., the 20 mW range) as well as high output versionssuch as those operating in the range of 3 to 5 Watts, which is stillsubstantially lower in wattage than a typical incandescent bulb. Manydifferent chemistries and techniques are used in the construction ofLEDs. Aluminum indium gallium phosphide and other similar materials havebeen used, for example, to make warm colors such as red, orange, andamber. A few other examples are: indium gallium nitride (InGaN) forblue, InGaN with a phosphor coating for white, and Indium galliumarsenide with Indium phosphide for certain infrared colors. A relativelyrecent LED composition uses Indium gallium nitride (InGaN) with aphosphor coating. It should be understood that the foregoing LEDmaterial compositions are mentioned not by way of limitation, but merelyas examples.

The term “light-emitting electrochemical cell” or LEC” refers to any ofa class of light emitting optoelectronic devices comprising a polymerblend embeded between two electrodes, at least one of the two electrodesbeing transparent in nature. The polymeric blend may be made from aluminescent polymer, a sale, and an ion-conducting polymer, and variousdifferent colors are available. Further background regarding LECs may befound, for example, in the technical references D. H. Hwang et al, “NewLuminescent Polymers for LEDs and LECs,” Macromolecular Symposia 125,111 (1998), M. Gritsch et al, “Investigation of Local Ions Distributionsin Polymer Based Light Emitting Cells,” Proc. Current Developments ofMicroelectronics, Bad Hofgastein (March 1999), and J. C. deMello et al,“The Electric Field Distribution in Polymer LECs,” Phys. Rev. Lett.85(2), 421 (2000), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference asif set forth fully herein.

The term “color temperature” refers to the temperature at which ablackbody would need to emit radiant energy in order to produce a colorthat is generated by the radiant energy of a given source, such as alamp or other light source. A few color temperatures are of particularnote because they relate to the film and photographic arts. A colortemperature in the range of 3200° Kelvin (or 3200° K) is sometimesreferred to as “tungsten” or “tungsten balanced.” A color temperature of“tungsten” as used herein means a color temperature suitable for usewith tungsten film, and, depending upon the particulars of the lightsource and the film in question, may generally cover the colortemperature range anywhere from about 1000° Kelvin to about 4200°Kelvin. A color temperature in the range of 5500° Kelvin (or 5500° K) issometimes referred to as “daylight” or “daylight balanced.” Because thecolor of daylight changes with season, as well as changes in altitudeand atmosphere, among other things, the color temperature of “daylight”is a relative description and varies depending upon the conditions. Acolor temperature of “daylight” as used herein means a color temperaturesuitable for use with daylight film, and, depending upon the particularsof the light source and the film in question, may generally cover thecolor temperature range anywhere from about 4200° Kelvin to about 7500°Kelvin.

In one embodiment, a lighting effects system comprises an arrangement oflamp elements on a panel or frame. The lamp elements may be embodied aslow power lights such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or light emittingelectrochemical cells (LECs), for example, and may be arranged on thepanel or frame in a pattern so as to provide relatively even, dispersivelight. The panel or frame may be relatively lightweight, and may includeone or more circuit boards for direct mounting of the lamp elements. Apower supply and various control circuitry may be provided forcontrolling the intensities of the various lamp elements, eithercollectively, individually, or in designated groups, and, in someembodiments, through pre-programmed patterns.

In another embodiment, a lighting effects system comprises anarrangement of low power lights mounted on a frame having an openingthrough which a camera can view. The low power lights may be embodied asLEDs or LECs, for example, arranged on the frame in a pattern ofconcentric circles or other uniform or non-uniform pattern. The framepreferably has a circular opening through which a camera can view, andone or more mounting brackets for attaching the frame to a camera. Thelow power lights may be electronically controllable so as to providediffering intensity levels, either collectively, individually, or indesignated groups, and, in some embodiments, may be controlled throughpre-programmed patterns.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a preferred lighting effects system100 in accordance with one embodiment as disclosed herein, illustratingplacement of a camera 140 relative to a lighting frame 102. The lightingframe 102 shown in FIG. 1 may be generally ring-shaped (as shown in, forexample, FIGS. 3 and 4, and later described herein), and may define acentral hole 103 through which the camera 140 can view. The camera 140itself, while illustrated in FIG. 1 as a motion picture type camera, maybe embodied as any type of image capture or optical viewing device,whether analog or digital in nature. For example, the camera 140 may usefilm or solid state image capture circuitry (e.g., CCDs), and may be astill photography camera or a motion picture camera. In a preferredembodiment, the lighting frame 102 is physically attached to the camera140 using a camera mounting, as further described herein.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a lighting effects system 200 that may, ifdesired, be constructed in accordance with various principlesillustrated in or described with respect to FIG. 1. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the lighting effects system 200 comprises a lighting frame 202upon which are mounted or otherwise affixed a plurality of lamps 205.Preferred arrangements of the lamps 205 are described further herein.The lighting frame 202 may include a mounting assembly receptor 220 forreceiving a mounting assembly 230 (preferably removable in nature), andan electrical socket 215 for receiving a cable 213 providing electricalpower to the lamps 205 from a power source 210, although in alternativeembodiments battery power may be used. A power controller 212 ispreferably interposed between the power source 210 and the electricalsocket 215, for providing various lighting effect functions described inmore detail hereinafter, such as, for example, dimming, strobing,selective activation, pulsation, and so on, or combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the lighting frame 202 is ring-shaped, andthe lamps 205 are arranged in a pattern around the center hole of thelighting frame 202 so as to provide the desired lightingcondition—typically, the lamps 205 will be arranged in a symmetrical,regular pattern so as to provide relatively even lighting over the areaof interest. The lighting frame 202 is preferably comprised of alightweight, durable material, such as thermoplastic and/or aluminum,with a flat black finish (either paint, coating or material) so as toeliminate any reflections from the front of the lighting frame 202 thatmight cause ghosts to the final image.

An example of a preferred lighting frame 302 is depicted from variousangles in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 4 shows a front view of a lighting frame302, illustrating the preferred ring-shaped nature thereof. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4, a number of lamp segments 306 are arrangedin a radial or arrayed pattern around the center hole 303 of thelighting frame 302. The lamp segments 306 are positioned along rays 308emanating from a center point 307 of the lighting frame 302, and arepreferably equidistant from one another (i.e., the rays 308 arepreferably defined such that all of the angles between neighboring rays308 are equal). The equidistant placement of the lamp segments 306results in a symmetrical, even pattern that advantageously provides evenlighting over an area of interest.

The density of the lamp pattern may vary, and is dictated in part by theparticular lighting needs. Examples of alternative lamp arrangementpatterns are shown in FIGS. 30A-30C. FIGS. 30A and 30B show the lightingframe 302 with different pattern densities of lamp segments 306. FIG.30C illustrates a lamp pattern in which pairs 309 of lamp segments 306are arranged near adjacent to one another, while each pair 309 of lampsegments 306 is positioned further away from its neighboring pair 309than from the other lamp segment 306 that is part of the lamp segmentpair 309. The lamp patterns shown in FIGS. 30A, 30B and 30C are meant tobe merely illustrative and not exhaustive. Other lamp patterns mightinvolve, for example, triplets of lamp segments (rather than pairs orsingles), or alternating single lamps with pairs and/or triplets, orlamp segments which have gradually increasing or decreasing spacingbetween them, or lamp segment clusters having the same or differentnumbers of lamp segments in each cluster, to name a few. The lamppattern can thus be varied to suit the particular lighting needs, but ispreferably symmetric at least in those situations calling for evenlighting over the area of interest.

Each of the lamp segments 306 preferably comprises a plurality of lowpower lamps 305, such as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 4. The lowpower lamps are preferably solid state in nature and may comprise, forexample, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), light-emitting crystals (LECs),or other low power, versatile light sources. Alternatively, fluorescentlamps may be used instead of lamp segments, as described later herein,for example, with respect to, e.g., FIG. 13. Fluorescent lights arepower efficient and tend to have high concentrations or spikes of blue,green, and ultraviolet wavelength light. Most white LEDs have colorspikes as well. These spikes of color combined with improper proportionsof other wavelengths can render the colors of objects seen orphotographed as incorrect or odd in hue. Slight color variations may beadded relatively easily to the lenses of LEDs to compensate for thesedeficiencies without significantly impacting the overall light output.Colored LED lenses may also be used to generate a desired color (such asred, green, Tungsten, etc.), but, since colored lenses are subtractivein nature, the stronger the color, generally the more the output of theLED will be dimmed. White LEDs typically utilize clear or nearly clearlenses; however, in any of the embodiments described herein, a clear LEDlens may be manufactured with slight subtractive characteristics inorder to minimize any color spikes and/or non-linearities in the outputof an LED.

The number of low power lamps 305 in each lamp segment 306 may be thesame or may vary among lamp segments 306. If the number of low powerlamps 305 is the same in each lamp segment 306 and are spaced the same(for example, equidistant from one another) within each lamp segment306, then the resulting pattern will be a plurality of concentriccircles of low power lamps 305 radiating outward from the inner circularportion to the outer circular portion of the lighting frame 302. It willbe appreciated, however, that the low power lamps 305 need not bearranged in segments 306 as illustrated in FIG. 4, but may be arrangedin clusters or other patterns, whether uniform or non-uniform, over thelighting frame 302. However, a symmetrical, regular pattern of low powerlamps 305 is preferred, at least where uniform lighting is desired overan area of interest.

FIG. 5 illustrates the effect of a lighting frame assembly such as lightframe 302 with low power lamps 305 arranged as shown in FIG. 4, inilluminating a subject 646. As shown in FIG. 5, radiating light regions620, 621 from lamps arranged on the front surface of the lighting frame302 (as illustrated in FIG. 4, for example) overlap one another in amanner so as to provide lighting from multiple angles. With a radial orarrayed pattern of lamp segments 306 as shown in FIG. 4, a subject 646may be relatively evenly illuminated from every angle. FIG. 1illustrates a preferred placement of a camera 140 (including any type ofimage capture device, whether film based, solid state/CCD, or otherwise)with respect to a lighting frame 102 (which may be embodied, forexample, as lighting frame 302). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the camera140 may be positioned so that its lens or optical front-end peersthrough the central hole 103 of the lighting frame 102, thus allowingthe lighting to be presented from the same angle and direction as thecamera viewpoint.

FIG. 6 illustrates how the lighting frame assembly with the pattern oflamp segments 306 as shown in FIG. 4 may advantageously illuminate ahuman subject's eyes. In FIG. 6, the iris 650 of the subject's eye 654is illustrated showing a circular pattern of reflected light segments652 around the iris 650. A lighting pattern of a lighting system such asillustrated in FIG. 4 can illuminate the iris 650 of the subject's eye654 from multiple angles, thus helping provide desirable “eye lights” or“catch lights” with respect to a human subject 546, as well as providinguniform, even lighting over the area of interest.

Turning once again to FIG. 3, an oblique view of the lighting frame 302is shown illustrating an example of attachment of one type of cameramounting assembly 330 to the lighting frame 302. In the particularembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a mounting assembly receptor 320 isaffixed to, molded as part of, or otherwise attached to the lightingframe 302. The camera mounting assembly 330 is preferably configured soas to attach securely to the mounting assembly receptor 320. Themounting assembly receptor 320 may, for example, include a socket 323 orsimilar indentation adapted to receive a corresponding member 335 on thecamera mounting assembly 330. The member 335 may be attached to anelongated rod or arm 332, along which a camera clamp 334 may be slidablyengaged. The camera clamp 334 preferably includes a generally U-shapedclamping portion 336 which may be securely attached along the housing ofa camera, and may advantageously be moved along the elongated rod or arm332 and clamped into a suitable position using a clamping screw or otherfastening mechanism.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing an oblique view and a frontalview, respectively, of one portion of a lighting assembly frame 1502 inaccordance with one or more of the concepts or principles explained withrespect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 15Aand 15B, the lighting assembly frame portion 1502 is generallyring-shaped in nature, having a central hole 1503 for allowing a cameraor other image capture device to view through the lighting assemblyframe. The lighting assembly frame portion 1502 may be reinforced, ifdesired, with ribs 1560, and may include, as noted with respect to FIG.3, a mounting assembly receptor 1520 for receiving a camera mountingassembly (not shown in FIG. 15A), and an electrical socket 1515 forreceiving a cable or wires for providing power to the lamps of thelighting assembly.

The lighting frame portion 1502 illustrated in FIG. 15A comprises onehalf (specifically, the backside half) of a complete lighting frameassembly. A corresponding lighting frame portion 1592 (e.g., printedcircuit board), as shown in FIG. 15C, may be adapted to fit securely tothe lighting frame portion 1502 (e.g., injected molded poly-carbonate),and may attach thereto by, for example, exterior locking tabs 1564and/or interior locking tabs 1567, which are shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B.Alternatively, other means for fastening together the lighting frameassembly 1501 may be used, such as screws, glue, etc.

Likewise, the mounting assembly receptor 1520 may comprise any suitablemechanism for securing a camera mounting assembly to the lighting frameportion 1502 of the lighting frame assembly 1501. In the exampleillustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the mounting assembly receptor 1520may comprise a raised, slightly tapered cylindrical housing, defining ahollow cylindrical chamber in which the camera mounting assembly may befitted. If the lighting frame portion 1502 is formed of plastic, forexample, then the mounting assembly receptor 1520 may be formed throughan injection molding process. FIG. 18 depicts an example of a portion ofa camera mounting assembly 1801 as may be affixed to the lighting frameportion 1502 using the mounting assembly receptor 1520. The cameramounting assembly 1801 in FIG. 18 comprises an elongated rod or arm1832, at the end of which is affixed an attachment member 1835 having agenerally circular body portion with two wing-like protruding tabs 1838.The tabs 1838 may be fitted into two corresponding indentations 1524 inthe ring-shaped top surface of the cylindrical housing of the mountingassembly receptor 1520. The camera mounting assembly 1801 may then betwisted in a clockwise direction to cause the tabs 1838 to slide throughthe slits adjacent to the indentations 1524 in the mounting assemblyreceptor 1520, allowing the camera mounting assembly 1801 to be sliddownward, then twisted in a counter-clockwise direction and locked intoplace in the mounting assembly receptor 1520. The camera mountingassembly 1801 may be disengaged from the lighting frame portion 1501 bymanually applying pressure to release the locking tabs and twisting thecamera mounting assembly 1801 in the opposite (i.e., clockwise in thisexample) direction from that originally used to bring it into a lockingposition. The camera mounting assembly 1801 may then be raised upwardsand twisted in a counter-clockwise direction to cause the tabs 1838 toslide back through the slits adjacent to the indentations 1524 in themounting assembly receptor 1520, thereby completely releasing the cameramounting assembly 1801.

A variety of other means may alternatively be used to affix a cameramounting assembly to the lighting frame portion 1502, but the mechanismused in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 15A and 15B has the advantageof not requiring additional pieces (such as screws), and beingrelatively simple and quick to use.

A main purpose of the camera mounting assembly 1801 is to allow thelighting frame assembly to be secured to a camera or other image capturedevice, thus providing even lighting from all directions surrounding thecamera or other image capture device, and allowing, for example, thelighting frame assembly to follow the motion of the camera or otherimage capture device as it is moved. An example of additional componentsallowing the camera mounting assembly 1801 to be secured to a camera areshown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. In particular, FIGS. 19A and 19B depict twohalves 1902, 1912 of a camera clamp which may be joined together andattached to the elongated rod or arm 1832 of the camera mountingassembly 1801, arriving at a complete camera mounting assembly such asillustrated in FIG. 3 (i.e., camera mounting assembly 330) or, in moredetail, in FIG. 22. The rectangular openings 1903, 1913 in the twohalves 1902 and 1912, respectively, of the camera clamp allow it to beslid onto the elongated rod or arm 1832. A spring-loaded retention clip,as shown in FIG. 20, may be used to help secure the camera clamp to theelongated rod or arm 1832. In alternative embodiments, the camera clamp(comprising the combination of two halves 1902, 1912) may be permanentlyaffixed and/or integrally formed with the elongated rod or arm 1832.

An attachment member, such as pre-molded clamping member 1916 shown inFIG. 19B, may be used to slide onto an appropriate feature of the camera(such as a Panavision® type motion picture camera), e.g., a rod or otherfeature of the camera. Other types of attachment members may be used,depending upon the particular nature of the camera or other imagecapture device. The camera mounting assembly 1801, in conjunction withthe preferred camera clamp illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B, therebyallow a lighting frame assembly to be secured to a camera or other imagecapture device.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating one technique for attaching a cameramounting assembly to a lighting frame. As shown in FIG. 23, a lightingframe 1302 may comprise a mounting assembly receptor 1320, similar to asdescribed with respect to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 15A-15B, for example. Inconnection with attaching a camera mounting assembly 2328, a spring 2305is first positioned in the mounting assembly receptor 2320, atop ofwhich is then placed a plunger 2308 (such as illustrated in FIG. 21).Then, the camera mounting assembly 2328 is attached, by, e.g., insertingthe attachment member into the mounting assembly receptor 2320. Inessence, the application of the attachment member to the mountingassembly receptor 2320 may be viewed analogously to inserting andtwisting a “key” in a keyhole. The spring 2305 effectively locks thecamera mounting assembly 2328 in place against the back “keyplate”surrounding the keyhole, thus allowing the camera mounting assembly 2328to be “twist-locked” into place. The assembly structure shown in FIG. 23allows relatively easy attachment and detachment of the camera mountingassembly 2328. Other attachment techniques may also be used.

Another embodiment of a camera mounting assembly, as may be used toattach a lighting frame to a camera or other image capture device, isillustrated in FIG. 27, and various components thereof are illustratedindividually in FIGS. 24, 25 and 26. With reference first to FIG. 24,two halves 2415, 2418 of a camera clamp may be joined together to form amain camera clamp body. the two halves 2415, 2418 may be securedtogether by screws or any other suitable fastening means. A slot in thecamera clamp body may be provided to allow placement of a thumbwheel2604 (illustrated in FIG. 26) which allows tightening of a clampingmember 2437. Several holes 2430 are provided in camera clamp portion2415, which receive corresponding protrusions 2511 from an attachmentmember 2501, illustrated in FIG. 25, which has a generally circular bodyportion 2519 with two wing-like protruding tabs 2586. The completedcamera mounting assembly 2701 appears as in FIG. 27.

The tabs 2586 of the camera mounting assembly 2701 shown in FIG. 27 maybe fitted into the two corresponding indentations 1524 in thering-shaped top surface of the cylindrical housing of the mountingassembly receptor 1520 shown in FIG. 15, as described previously withrespect to the FIG. 22 camera mounting assembly. As before, the cameramounting assembly may be twisted in a clockwise direction to cause thetabs 2586 to slide through the slits adjacent to the indentations 1524in the mounting assembly receptor 1520, allowing the camera mountingassembly 2701 to be slid downward, then twisted in a counter-clockwisedirection and locked into place in the mounting assembly receptor 1520.The camera mounting assembly 2701 may be disengaged from the lightingframe portion 1501 by manually applying pressure to release the lockingtabs and twisting the camera mounting assembly 2701 in the opposite(i.e., clockwise in this example) direction from that originally used tobring it into a locking position. The camera mounting assembly 2701 maythen be raised upwards and twisted in a counter-clockwise direction tocause the tabs 2586 to slide back through the slits adjacent to theindentations 1524 in the mounting assembly receptor 1520, therebycompletely releasing the camera mounting assembly 2701.

As noted previously, a variety of other means may alternatively be usedto affix a camera mounting assembly 2701 of FIG. 27 to the lightingframe portion 1502.

As with the camera mounting assembly 1801 shown in FIG. 18, the cameramounting assembly of FIG. 27 functions to allow a lighting frameassembly to be secured to a camera or other image capture device, thusallowing, for example, the lighting frame assembly to follow the motionof the camera or other image capture device as it is moved. Anattachment member, such as pre-molded clamping member 2437 shown in FIG.24, may be used to slide onto an appropriate feature, such as a rod orother feature, of the camera (for example, an Arri® type motion picturecamera).

FIGS. 28 and 29 are diagrams of alternative embodiments of cameramounting assemblies having certain integral components. FIG. 28illustrates a camera mounting assembly 2801 as may be used, for example,to secure a lighting frame to a Panavision® type camera. As shown inFIG. 28, an attachment member 2838 (or “key”) connects with, andintegrally attaches to, a camera clamp plate 2802, in a manner similarto that shown in FIG. 18, but eliminating the elongated rod or arm showntherein. A pair of cylindrically-shaped lock lever “screws” 2851, 2852enable the camera mounting assembly 2801 to attach to an appropriatefeature of the camera. Lock levers 2855, 2856 connected to each of thelock lever screws 2851, 2852 can be flipped (e.g., a quarter turn) inorder to lock the screws 2851, 2852 into place, thus securing the cameramounting assembly 2801 to the camera. The lock lever screws 2851, 2852can be flipped the opposite direction to unlock the screws 2851, 2852and thereby release the camera mounting assembly 2801 from the camera.

FIG. 29 illustrates a camera mounting assembly 2901 as may be used, forexample, to secure a lighting frame to an Arri® type camera. As shown inFIG. 29, an attachment member 2938 (or “key”) connects with, andattaches to, a camera clamp plate 2902, by way of, e.g., screws 2940. Acylindrically-shaped lock lever screw 2951 enables the camera mountingassembly 2901 to attach to an appropriate feature of the camera. A locklever 2855 connected to the lock lever screw 2851 can be flipped (e.g.,a quarter turn) in order to lock the screw 2851 into place, thussecuring the camera mounting assembly 2901 to the camera. The lock leverscrew 2851 can be flipped the opposite direction to unlock the screw2851 and thereby release the camera mounting assembly 2901 from thecamera.

Additional details of the particular lighting frame portion 1501 ofFIGS. 15A and 15B are illustrated in FIGS. 16A through 16E. FIGS. 16Aand 16B, for example, are diagrams showing an oblique view and a topview, respectively, of the backside of the lighting frame portion 1501illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B. In FIGS. 16A and 16B can more clearlybe seen, for example, the interior locking tabs 1567 and exteriorlocking tabs 1564 that can be used to secure the lighting frame portion1501 to its corresponding half, as previously described with respect toFIG. 15C. In FIG. 16C is depicted a close-up illustration of thebackside of the mounting assembly receptor 1520 and electrical socket1515 illustrated from the opposite side in FIGS. 15A and 15B. In FIGS.16D and 16E can be seen additional details of both the mounting assemblyreceptor 1520 (FIG. 16D) and the interior locking tabs 1567 and exteriorlocking tabs 1564. As shown in FIGS. 16D and 16E, the interior lockingtabs 1567 may include a protruding locking member 1570 for securing thelighting frame portion 1501 to its counterpart by, e.g., snapping itinto place, and the exterior locking tabs 1564 may likewise includeprotruding locking members 1568 having a similar function. The framewall 1562 between the two nearby exterior locking tabs 1564 may bereinforced with a supporting rib 1569, to provide added counter-forcewhen the lighting frame assembly is put together.

The camera mounting assemblies shown in FIGS. 18, 23, 27, 28 and 29 aremerely examples of camera mounting assemblies that may be utilized invarious embodiments described herein. Other camera mounting assembliesmay be specifically adapted to the particular camera of interest. Themounting assembly receptor 320 (or 1520) may in one aspect be viewed asa universal receptor, allowing different camera mounting assemblies tobe connected to the lighting frame, provided that they are compatiblewith the mounting assembly receptor (such as the example shown in FIGS.15A-15BB and elsewhere). A single lighting frame may thus be used withany of a variety of different cameras or other image capture devices.Although examples have been explained with respect to certain cameratypes (that is, a Panavision® camera or an Arri® camera), the camera maybe of any type, whether for film or still photograph, and may be basedupon either analog or digital imaging techniques. Moreover, whilepreferred dimensions are illustrated in some of the figures, themounting assemblies and components thereof may be of any appropriatesize and shape.

Further description will now be provided concerning various preferredlight elements as may be used in connection with one or more embodimentsas disclosed herein. While generally discussed with reference to FIG. 3,the various light elements described below may be used in otherembodiments as well. When embodied as LEDs, the low power lamps 305 mayemit light at, for example, approximately 5500-5800K degrees when atfull intensity, which is a white light approximating daylightconditions. However, LEDs of a different color, or one or more differentcolors in combination, may also be used. FIG. 9 is an energy spectrumgraph showing a typical frequency distribution (in terms of lightwavelength) of light output from white-light, low voltage LEDs, andillustrating a main peak at about 600 nanometers. A color correctionmechanism, such as a color correction gel or lens filter, may be used toalter the color of the LED light. For example, a daylight LED could beconverted to “tungsten” (similar in hue to an incandescent bulb) by useof a color gel or colored lens. A diffusion lens or filter may also beused, by itself or in conjunction with a color gel or colored lens, todiffuse or soften the outgoing light. A diffusion lens or filter may beformed of, e.g., clear or white opaque plastic, and may be configured ina ring-shaped pattern of similar dimension to the light frame 302 tofacilitate mounting thereon. FIG. 17, for example, shows a diagram of anopaque, ring-shaped cover 1701 as may be used in connection with thelighting frame assembly depicted in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a more detailed diagram of a light segment 792 (e.g., anarray) as may be used, for example, in connection with the lightingframe 302 shown in FIG. 4. The light segment 792 may correspond to eachof the individual light segments 306 shown in FIG. 4, and the variouslight elements (i.e., LEDs) 790 in FIG. 7 may correspond to theindividual low power lamps 305 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 illustrates astraight row of LEDs 790 as may comprise the lighting segment 790.Although fifteen LEDs 790 are illustrated in the example shown in FIG.7, any number of LEDs 790 may be used, subject to physical spacelimitations and lighting intensity requirements. In addition, a set offiltering lenses 794 (which are preferably formed as a single,collective lens comprised of individual lens elements 795 connectedtogether) may be placed over the light segment 792 as shown, such thateach lens element 795 is positioned in the light path of one of the LEDs790. The overall effect can be, for example, to focus or spread thelight according to a specifically desired pattern, such as the exemplarylight pattern 796 shown in FIG. 7. A variety of other light filteringtechniques may also be used.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a filtering lens element(e.g., wave guide) 876 on an individual light element (e.g., LED) 872.As shown in FIG. 8, light 874 emanates from the LED 872 in a generallyeven pattern, but can be focused or otherwise filtered by the filteringlens element 876. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of collectivelyfiltering all of the LEDs 790 of the light segment 792.

Various embodiments of lighting apparatus as described herein utilizedifferent color lamp elements in order to achieve, for example,increased versatility or other benefits in a single lighting mechanism.Among the various embodiments described herein are lamp apparatusesutilizing both daylight and tungsten lamp elements for providingillumination in a controllable ratio. Such apparatuses may findparticular advantage in film-related applications where it can beimportant to match the color of lighting with a selected film type, suchas daylight or tungsten.

Alternatively, or in addition, lamp elements of other colorations may beutilized. It is known, for example, to use colored lamp elements such asred, green, and blue LEDs on a single lighting fixture. Selectivecombinations of red, green, and blue (“RGB”) lamp elements can generallybe used to generate virtually any desired color, at least in theory.Lighting systems that rely upon RGB lamp elements can potentially usedas primary illumination devices for an image capture system, but sufferfrom drawbacks. One such problem is that the red, green, and blue colorsgenerated by the light elements do not necessary mix completely. Thediscrete RGB lamp elements (e.g., LEDs) each project a localized “pool”of its individual primary color. This manifests as spots of color, orbands of individual or partially mixed colors. One of the only presentlyavailable solutions to correct for this problem is mixing the colorsusing a diffusion technique. Diffusion mixing can be accomplished byadding detractors, gratings, or white opal-appearing filters, forexample. Unfortunately, these techniques end up reducing the overalloutput of the lighting apparatus and, more importantly, severely reducethe ability of the LEDs to “project” light in a direct fashion. Anotherproblem for illumination systems which rely upon RGB color mixing isthat not all of the LEDs are generally used at full power for mostlighting situations. One or two of the LED color groups typically haveto be dimmed in order for the desired color to be generated, which canfurther reduce the overall light output. When these factors areconsidered in combination, RGB based lighting apparatus may not be wellsuited for providing primary illumination for image capture applications(such as film).

While the foregoing discussion has principally focused on RGB basedlighting apparatus, similar problems and drawbacks may be experiencedwhen employing lamp elements in other color combinations as well.

In various embodiments as disclosed herein, a lighting apparatus isprovided which utilizes two or more complementary colored lamp elementsin order to achieve a variety of lighting combinations which, forexample, may be particularly useful for providing primary illuminationfor film or other image capture applications. A particular example willbe described with respect to a lighting apparatus using lamp elements oftwo different colors, herein referred to as a “bi-color” lightingapparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the bi-color lighting apparatusutilizes light elements of two different colors which (unlike red,green, and blue) are separated by a relatively small difference in theirshift or color balance. When reference is made herein to light elementsof two different colors, the light elements may, for example, include afirst group which provide light output at a first color and a secondgroup which provide light output at a second color, or else the lightelements may all output light of a single color but selected ones of thelight elements may be provided with colored LED lenses or filtering togenerate the second color. In a preferred embodiment, as will bedescribed, the bi-color lighting apparatus uses lamp elements havingdaylight and tungsten hues (for example, 5500° K and 3200° K colortemperatures, respectively). Other bi-color combinations may also beused and, preferably, other combinations of colors which are closely inhue or otherwise complementary in nature.

One possible advantage of a bi-color lighting system as will bedescribed in certain embodiments below is the ability to more easilyblend two similar colors (e.g., 5500 K and 3200 K color temperaturehues), particularly when compared to a tri-color (e.g., RGB) lightingsystem that relies upon opposing or widely disparate colors. Theblending process of two similar colors is not nearly as apparent to theeye, and more importantly in certain applications, is a more suitablelighting process for film or video image capture devices. In contrast,attempting to blend 3 primary or highly saturated (and nearly oppositecolors) is much more apparent to the eye. In nature one may visuallyperceive the blending of bi-colors, for example, from an open sky bluein the shade, to the warmth of the direct light at sunset. Such colorsare generally similar, yet not the same. Their proportion in relation toeach other is a naturally occurring gradient in most every naturally litsituation. This difference is the basis of most photographic and motionpicture lighting hues. These hues give viewers clues as to time of day,location and season. Allowing separate control of the two differentcolor lamp elements (such as LEDs), through two separate circuit/dimmercontrols or otherwise, provides the ability to easily adjust (e.g.,cross-fade, cross-dim, etc.) between the two colors because they do nothave significant color shifts when dimmed and blend in a visuallypleasing manner, allowing the type of color gradients that occur innature. In addition, virtually all still and motion picture filmpresently used in the industry is either tungsten or daylight balanced,such that various combinations of daylight and tungsten (including allone color) are well matched directly to the most commonly used filmstocks. These features make various of the lighting apparatus describedherein particularly well suited for wide area still, video, and motionpicture usage, especially as compared to RGB-based or other similarlighting apparatus. The above principles may also be extended tolighting systems using three or more lamp element colors.

FIG. 33 is a diagram of one embodiment of a lighting effects system 3300having at least two different lamp element colors. As illustrated inFIG. 33, the lighting effects system 3300 comprises a lighting framemounting surface 3302 having a plurality of lamp elements 3305 which, inthis example, include daylight LEDs 3304 and tungsten LEDs 3303,although different lamp elements and/or different colors could bechosen. The lighting effects system 3300 further comprises variouscontrol electronics for controlling the illumination provided by thelamp elements 3305. In particular, the lighting effects system 3300comprises an intensity control adjustment 3342, an intensity controlcircuit 3345, a ratio control adjustment 3341, and a ratio controlcircuit 3346. The intensity control adjustment 3342 and ratio controladjustment 3341 may each be embodied as, e.g., manual control knobs,dials, switches, or other such means, or alternatively may be embodiedas a digital keypad, a set of digital buttons, or the like. A visualdisplay (not shown) such as an LCD display may be provided to allow theoperator to view the settings of the intensity control adjustment 3342and ratio control adjustment 3341. Alternatively, the ratio controladjustment 3341 and/or intensity control adjustment 3342 may comprisedigital commands or values received from a computer or similar device.

In operation, setting the intensity control adjustment 3342 selects theillumination level for the lamp elements 3305, while setting the ratiocontrol adjustment 3341 selects the relative intensities between, inthis example, the daylight LEDs 3304 and the tungsten LEDs 3303. Theintensity control circuit 3352 and ratio control circuit 3346 maycomprise analog and/or digital circuitry, and the output of the ratiocontrol circuit 3346 modifies the incoming power supply separately forthe daylight LEDs 3304 and the tungsten LEDs 3303 in a manner dictatedby the setting of the ratio control adjustment 3341. Accordingly, by useof the ratio control adjustment 3341, the operator may select moredaylight illumination by increasing the relative intensity of thedaylight LEDs 3304 or may select more tungsten illumination byincreasing the relative intensity of the tungsten LEDs 3303. To increaseor decrease the overall light output intensity, the operator may adjustthe intensity control adjustment 3342. The lighting effects system 3300thereby may provide different combinations of daylight/tungstencoloration to match a wide variety of settings and circumstances, withthe two colors being generally complementary in nature and thusproviding a balanced, well blended illumination effect.

FIG. 34 is a diagram of another embodiment of a lighting effects systemhaving at least two different lamp colors. As illustrated in FIG. 34,and similar to FIG. 33, the lighting effects system 3400 comprises alighting frame mounting surface 3402 having a plurality of lamp elements3405 which, in this example, include daylight LEDs 3404 and tungstenLEDs 3403, although different lamp elements and/or different colorscould be chosen. The lighting effects system 3400, as with that of FIG.33, further comprises various control electronics for controlling theillumination provided by the lamp elements 3405. In particular, thelighting effects system 3400 comprises individual intensity controladjustments 3451, 3452 for daylight and tungsten lamp elements (e.g.,(LEDs) 3403, 3404, and individual intensity control circuits 3456, 3457also for the daylight and tungsten LEDs 3403, 3404. The tungstenintensity control adjustment 3451 and daylight intensity controladjustment 3452 may, similar to FIG. 33, each be embodied as, e.g.,manual control knobs, dials, switches, or other such means, oralternatively may be embodied as a digital keypad, a set of digitalbuttons, or the like. A visual display (not shown) such as an LCDdisplay may be provided to allow the operator to view the settings ofthe two intensity control adjustments 3451, 3452. Alternatively, theintensity control adjustments 3451, 3452 may comprise digital commandsor values received from a computer or similar device.

In operation, setting the tungsten intensity control adjustment 3451selects the illumination level for the tungsten LEDs 3403 via thetungsten intensity control circuit 3456, and setting the daylightintensity control adjustment 3452 selects the illumination level for thedaylight LEDs 3404 via the daylight intensity control circuit 3457. Therelative settings of the tungsten intensity control adjustment 3451 andthe daylight intensity control adjustment 3452 generally determine therelative intensities between, in this example, the daylight LEDs 3404and the tungsten LEDs 3403. The intensity control circuits 3456, 3457may comprise analog and/or digital circuitry, and the relative outputsof the tungsten intensity control circuit 3456 and the daylightintensity control circuit 3456 generally determine the illuminationlevel and composition. The operator may select more daylightillumination by increasing the relative intensity of the daylight LEDs3304 or may select more tungsten illumination by increasing the relativeintensity of the tungsten LEDs 3303. The lighting effects system 3400thereby may provide different combinations of daylight/tungstencoloration to match a wide variety of settings and circumstances, aswith the FIG. 33 embodiment.

Because the two different colors of LEDs (e.g., daylight and tungsten)can be controlled separately (through common or separate circuitry), andbecause these particular LEDs, or other similar complementary colors, donot have significant color shifts when dimmed, it would be relativelystraightforward to adjust (e.g., cross-fade, cross-dim) between the twocolors and, for example, provide a variety of natural light illuminationeffects for various types of common film stock.

The lighting apparatuses of FIGS. 33 and 34 may, if desired, bephysically embodied in a manner as described elsewhere herein; forexample, the lighting apparatus may be embodied with a generallyring-shaped lighting frame as illustrated in and/or described withrespect to FIG. 4, or with a portable frame such as generallyillustrated in and/or described with respect to FIG. 35. The principlesand underlying concepts associated with the embodiments of FIGS. 33 and34 may be extended to support more than two colors of lamp elements 3305or 3405. Moreover, the lighting apparatuses of FIGS. 33 and 34 mayutilize any number of lamp elements in a bi-color or other multi-colorarrangement, in any desired pattern.

Returning now to the general diagram of a lighting effects system 201illustrated in FIG. 2 (although the following comments will apply tovarious other embodiments such as the lighting frame assembly shown inFIGS. 3 and 4), the LEDs or other low power lamps 205 may be operated ata standard direct current (DC) voltage level, such as, e.g., 12 volts or24 volts, and may be powered by a power source 210 controlled by a powercontroller 212 such as generally shown in FIG. 2. The power source 210can generally comprise a standard electrical outlet (i.e., nominal 110volt AC power line), although in various embodiments the power source210 could also be a battery having sufficient current to drive the LEDsor other low power lamps 205. In some embodiments, the power controller212 may be omitted, and the lighting frame 202 may be connected directlyto the power source 210.

Block diagrams of two different types of power controllers 212 as may beused in various embodiments as described herein are illustrated in FIGS.10A and 10B, respectively. With reference to FIG. 10A, a first type ofpower controller 1012 has an input for receiving an AC power source1003, and outputs a plurality of power wires 1047 preferably through acable (e.g., cable 213 shown in FIG. 2) for connection to the lightingframe 202. The power controller 1012 may further comprise a powerconverter 1020, the nature of which depends upon the type of powersource 210. If the power source is an AC source, the power converter1020 may comprise an AC-to-DC converter and appropriate step-down powerconversion circuitry (e.g., a step-down transformer). On the other hand,if the power source is a DC source (e.g., a battery), the powerconverter 1020 may comprise a DC-to-DC converter, if necessary. Thedesign and construction of power converters is well known in the fieldof electrical engineering, and therefore is not be described herein indetail.

The power converter 1020 is preferably connected to a plurality ofswitches 1022, which may be solid state devices (e.g., transistors) oranalog devices (e.g., relays), each switch controlling power deliveredby the power converter 1020 to one of the wires 1047 output by the powercontroller 1012. A switch selector 1042 controls the on/off state eachswitch (or group) in the set of switches 1022. A manual interface 1030is provided to allow operation of the switches 1022 according to manualselection. The manual interface 1030 may include a master power switch1031, switch controls 1032, and, optionally, an effects selector 1033.The switch controls 1032 may include an individual manual switch, buttonor other selection means for each individual switch provided in the setof switches 1022, or else may comprise a control mechanism (such as knobor reduced number of manual switches, buttons or other selection means)for selecting groups of switches 1022 according to predesignatedarrangements. As but one example, assuming a light arrangement such asshown in FIG. 4, a knob provided as part of the switch controls 1032could have a first setting to select all of the light segments 306, asecond setting to select every other light segment 306, and a thirdsetting to select every fourth light segment 306, thus providing optionsof 100%, 50% and 25% total light output. The switch selector 1042 wouldthen convert each knob setting to a set of control signals to theappropriate switches 1022, which in turn would control power to thewires 1047 supplying power to the light segments 306.

As another example, the switch controls 1032 could include an individualmanual switch, button or other selection means for each light segment306 or group of light segments 306 in the lighting arrangement.

An effects generator 1043 may optionally be included in the powercontroller 1012, along with an effects selector 1033 which forms part ofthe manual interface 1030. The effects generator 1043 may provide theability to create various lighting effects, such as, e.g., dimming,strobing, pulsation, or pattern generation. The effects selector 1043may affect all of the switches 1022 simultaneously, or else may affectindividual switches or groups of switches 1022, depending upon thedesired complexity of the lighting effects. Dimming may be accomplished,for example, through a manual control knob or multi-position switch onthe effects selector 1033. The dimming control may be electronicallyimplemented, for example, in an analog fashion through a variableresistive element, or in a digital fashion by detecting the selectedmanual setting and converting it to selecting power setting through,e.g., selected resistive elements in a resistive ladder circuit. Wherethe switches 1022 are implemented, for example, as controllable variableamplifiers, the selectable resistance may be used to control the outputof each amplifier and thereby the light output by the amplifier'srespective light segment 306 (or group of light segments 306). In otherembodiments, the dimming control may optionally be applied to the outputof switches 1022. Where dimming control is applied collectively, it maybe implemented by applying the selected dimming control level to theincoming signal from the power converter 1020, which is supplied to allof the switches 1022 collectively. Other variations for implementingdimming control are also possible and will be apparent to those skilledin the art of electrical engineering.

Strobing may be accomplished by generating an oscillating signal andapplying it as a control signal either upstream or downstream from theswitch selector 1042. The frequency of oscillation may be selectable viaa manual knob, switch or other selection means as part of the effectsselector 1033.

Pattern generation may be accomplished by, e.g., manual selection from anumber of predefined patterns, or else through an interface allowingdifferent pattern sequencing. Patterns may include, for example,strobing or flashing different groups of light segments 306 (given theexample of FIG. 3) in a predefined sequence (which may be apseudo-random sequence, if desired), strobing or flashing different lowpower lamps 305 of the light segments 306 in a predefined (orpseudo-random) sequence, gradually dimming or brightening the lightsegments 306 (individually, in groups, or collectively), or variouscombinations of these effects.

Alternatively, rather than providing a separate effects selector 1033,certain effects may be combined with the switch controls 1032. Forexample, a dimmer switch (knob) could be used to both activate a lightsegment 306, or group of light segments 306, and also control lightoutput via rotation of the dimmer switch (knob).

FIG. 10B is a block diagram showing another example of a powercontroller 1052 as may be used, for example, in the lighting effectssystem 200 of FIG. 2 or other embodiments described herein. Like thepower controller 1012 shown in FIG. 10A, the power controller 1052 shownin FIG. 10B includes a power source input 1053 connected to a powerconverter 1060. It further includes a set of switches 1062 receivingpower from the power converter 1060, and providing power to individualwires 1097 which are conveyed, preferably by cable, to the lightingframe assembly 201 of the lighting effects system 200. The powercontroller 1052 also includes a switch selector 1072, which maycomprise, for example, a set of registers which provide digital signalsto the switches 1062 to control their on/off state.

The power controller 1052 includes a processor 1074 which may beprogrammed to provide various lighting effects by manipulating theswitch selector 1072 (for example, by changing values in registers whichcontrol the on/off states of the switches 1062). The processor 1074 mayinterface with a memory 1075, which may comprise a volatile orrandom-access memory (RAM) portion and a non-volatile portion (which maycomprise, e.g., ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and/or flash-programmableROM), the latter of which may contain programming instructions forcausing the processor 1074 to execute various functions. The memory 1075may be loaded through an I/O port 1076, which may include an electricalserial or parallel interface, and/or an infrared (IR) reader and/or barcode scanner for obtaining digital information according to techniqueswell known in the field of electrical engineering and/or electro-optics.An interface 1080 may also be provided for programming or otherwiseinterfacing with the processor 1074, or manually selecting variouslighting effects options through selectable knobs, switches or otherselection means, as generally explained previously with respect to FIG.10A. The processor-based control system illustrated in FIG. 10B may alsoinclude other features and components which are generally present in acomputer system.

In operation, the processor 1074 reads instructions from the memory 1075and executes them in a conventional manner. The instructions willgenerally cause the processor 1074 to control the switch selector by,e.g., setting various digital values in registers whose outputs controlthe switches 1062. The programming instructions may also provide forvarious lighting effects, such as dimming, strobing, pulsation, orpattern generation, for example. To accomplish dimming, the processor1074 may be programmed select binary-encoded values to load intoregisters of the switch selector 1072, which in turn select a variableresistance value which controls the output from each individual or groupof switches 1062. To accomplish strobing, the processor 1074 may beprogrammed to turn the switches 1062 on and off according to apredesignated pattern dictated by the programming instructions. Theprocessor 1074 may make use of one or more electronic timers to providetiming between on and off events. The programming instructions mayprovide that the switches 1062 are turned on and off according todesignated sequences, thus allowing the capability of pattern generationvia the processor 1074. As mentioned before, patterns may include, forexample, strobing or flashing different groups of light segments 306(given the example of FIG. 3) in a predefined (or pseudo-random)sequence, strobing or flashing different low power lamps 305 of thelight segments 306 in a predefined (or pseudo-random) sequence,gradually dimming or brightening the light segments 306 (individually,in groups, or collectively), or various combinations of these effects.

Although the lighting frame 302 and lighting arrangement illustrated inFIG. 3 provides various advantages, other lighting frames and otherlighting arrangements may also be used in a lighting effects system, andmay be employed in connection with various techniques as describedherein.

Another embodiment of a lighting frame 1101, for example, is illustratedin FIG. 11. The lighting frame 1101 shown in FIG. 11 may be used inconnection with a lighting effects system 201 such as shown in andpreviously described with respect to FIG. 2, and may be constructedaccording to general principles described previously with respect toFIGS. 15A-15C and 16A-16E. As shown in FIG. 11, a lighting frame 1101 isgenerally ring-shaped and has an opening 1107 through which a camera orother image capture device can view. On the lighting frame 1101 may bemounted a plurality of lamps 1112 or in some instances even a singlelamp 1112. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the lamps 1112 may beembodied as slim, narrow fluorescent “cold cathode” tubes with aninternal phosphorous coating emitting visible light of certainwavelength (for example, a color temperature of around 3200 deg. K or5500 deg. K, both of which temperatures are commonly used in film andphotography applications). FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating an example ofa spectral distribution of light (in terms of light wavelength) inaccordance with such a lighting effects system. The lamps 1112 arepreferably oriented as illustrated in FIG. 11—that is, in a radialpattern, emanating from a centerpoint 1119 of the opening 1107 in themiddle of the lighting frame 1101. Where embodied as cold cathode tubes,the lamps 1112 may be of any suitable size, such as, e.g., 3 to 10millimeters in diameter and 25 to 250 millimeters in length.

Preferably, the lamps 1112 are controllable such that they can producehigher intensity or lower intensity light, and/or can be turned on oroff in selected groups to adjust the overall light level provided by thelighting system. One possible means for controlling the light intensityof lamps 1112 is illustrated in FIG. 13. As shown therein, a lightcontrol system 1301 includes a selector switch 1310 which has aplurality of settings 1312, each of the settings 1312, in this example,providing a different combination of lamps 1112 (shown as elements 1322in FIG. 13). By way of illustration, a first setting may illuminate allof the lamps 1322; a second setting may illuminate every other lamp1322; and a third setting may illuminate every fourth lamp 1322, in eachcase providing a relatively even distribution of light but of adifferent overall intensity. For example, if 24 lamps were used, thenthe first setting would illuminate all 24 lamps, the second settingwould illuminate 12 of the 24 lamps, and the third setting wouldilluminate six of the 24 lamps. The settings may correspond to anydesired combination of lamps 1112. For example, each setting may bedesigned to control an equal number of lamps 1112, but in a differentcombination. The settings may be selected by any type of analog ordigital input means (e.g., a manual knob, a set of switches or buttons,or a programmable interface), and any number of settings or programmablepatterns may be offered.

Power for the lighting control system 1301 may be supplied by a battery1305, which may have a voltage rating of, e.g., 12 volts. The battery1305 may be rechargeable in nature. Alternatively, or in addition, powermay be provided from an alternating current (AC) source, such as astandard 120 volt electrical outlet, connected to an AC-to-DC powerconverter. The output of the battery 1305 may be controlled by a dimmerswitch (not shown), to allow the light intensity level of lamps 1312 tobe reduced. Alternatively, or in addition, dimming and/or pulsing can becontrolled through a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit 1317. A firstcontrol means (e.g., a manual switch or knob, or programmable interface)(not shown) may be provided for dimming the lamps 1322. For example, amanual knob may control the conductance of a variable resistor, thusallowing more power or less power to reach the lamps 1322. In this way,the selected lamps 1322 may be brightened or dimmed, down to around 20%of their total light output. The PWM circuit 1317 may also, through asecond control means (e.g., a manual switch or knob, or a programmableinterface) allow pulsing of the light (i.e., a strobing effect) byadjustment of a pulse width modulation frequency. For example, a manualknob may control a variable resistive element, which in turn controlsthe width of pulses being generated by the PWM circuit 1317. Varioustechniques for generating pulses of different widths using a variableresistive element to control the selection of the width are well knownin the electrical arts.

Energy is preferably delivered to the various lamps 1322 in FIG. 13through a plurality of high frequency (HF) ballasts 1325, which arecapable of converting low DC voltage of the battery 1305 to high DCvoltage (e.g., 800 to 1500 volts) for starting the lamp, and mid-levelvoltage (e.g., 170 to 250 volts) for sustaining lamp operation. Othertechniques may also be used to deliver energy to the lamps 1322.

While shown in a radial pattern in FIG. 13, the lamps 1322 (e.g.,fluorescent tubes) may also be arranged in other patterns, such aspatterns similar to those depicted, for example, in FIGS. 30A, 30B and30C. FIG. 46 illustrates one example of a pattern of arrangingfluorescent tubes (in this case, circular fluorescent tubes) on alighting frame 4602. In FIG. 46, a lighting assembly 4600 includes aring-shaped lighting frame 4602 with two fluorescent lamps 4605, aninner (small circumference) fluorescent lamp and an outer (largercircumference) fluorescent lamp. Additional fluorescent lamps (circularor otherwise) may also be added to the lighting frame 4202, or else asingle fluorescent lamp may in some cases be utilized. The lightingframe 4602 may, as previously described, be constructed of alightweight, durable material, and it may have a bracket or othermounting mechanism for mounting to a camera frame or lens (with thecamera lens preferably viewing through the generally central hole 4613in the lighting frame 4602), and/or a bracket or other mountingmechanism for allowing the lighting frame 4602 to be connected to a yokeor stand (such as conceptually represented by arm 4619 in FIG. 46).Energy for the fluorescent lamps 4605 may be provided as previouslydescribed herein, such that the lighting assembly 4600 can providecontinuous light or, if applicable, various lighting effects.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating various options and accessories as maybe used in connection with the lighting assembly frame depicted in FIG.11. As shown in FIG. 12, the lighting frame 1101 may be augmented with adiffusion filter 1205 and/or a color filter 1215, which may, if desired,be secured into place through a cover 1218 (e.g., a clear plastic cover)which locks or snaps onto the lighting frame 1101. Similar accessoriesmay be utilized, for example, in connection with the lighting frame 302illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Illustrations of filtering techniques,through the use of waveguides and other means, are described, forexample, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,272,269 and 6,270,244, both of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIG. 44 illustrates, among other things, an adjustable lens cover 4418similar in general nature to the cover 1218 shown in FIG. 12. In theparticular example illustrated in FIG. 44, threading 4491 is provided onthe outer surface of the lighting frame 4402 (which may be generallyanalogous to lighting frame 1101 shown in FIG. 12), and matchingthreading 4492 is provided on the interior surface of the adjustablelens cover 4418. The adjustable lens cover 4418 may be formed of clearplastic or a similar material and may be constructed with lenslikeattributes (e.g., focal, diffusion) and/or may also be colorized ifdesired. The adjustable lens cover 4418 is secured to the lighting frame4402 by twisting the cover 4418 onto the lighting frame 4402 in ascrew-like fashion, thereby causing the threadings 4491, 4492 tointerlock. By the number of rotations of the lens cover 4418 withrespect to the lighting frame 4402, the distance of the “top” surface ofthe lens cover 4418 to the lighting elements 4405 on the lighting frame4402 may be varied, thus allowing different lens effects. As furtherillustrated in FIG. 44, one or more coiled springs 4492 or other similarelements may be provided atop the lighting frame 4402, to secure one ormore color gels 4415 or other filtering objects against the inner “top”surface of the adjustable lens frame 4418, when such objects are placedwithin the cover 4418 in the manner shown, for example, in FIG. 12.

As an alternative to the complementary threading provided on the lenscover 4418 and the lighting frame 4402, other adjustment means may beprovided. For example, the lens cover 4418 may be secured to thelighting frame 4402 by one or more adjustable screws which dictate thedistance of the “top” surface of the lens cover 4418 from the lightingframe 4402. Also, for example, well-known slide-and-lock mechanisms ormechanical geared approaches may be used as well to adjust the distanceof the filtering element to the light source.

It will be appreciated that, in various embodiments, a flexible,lightweight and functional lighting effects system is provided, wherebyrelatively uniform light may be used in illumination of a subject orarea. The lighting effects system may, in various embodiments, allow alighting frame to be secured to a camera or other image capture device,so as to permit the lighting system to be mobile and move in tandem withthe camera or other image capture device, if desired. Also, in variousembodiments, the lighting effects system may provide a variety oflighting patterns, including programmable patterns by which individualor groups of lights can be controlled for different lighting effects.The lighting frame may, in certain instances, be formed in multiplesections and hinged to allow the lighting frame to fold, or else snappedapart section by section, for ease of transport.

In various alternative embodiments, the lighting frame need not bering-shaped in nature, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, but couldhave other shapes as well. For example, the lighting frame may besquare, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal, or could,for instance, have a partially polygonal shape. Preferably, the lightingframe is relatively thin, as compared to its overall size, although itneed not be. Also, the lighting frame preferably has a hole generallycentered therein to allow a camera or other image capture device to viewthrough the frame, although in some embodiments a viewing hole may notbe present. The exterior portion of the lighting frame, or at least theexterior portion thereof, is preferably made of a lightweight, durablematerial such as plastic and/or lightweight metal (e.g., aluminum),optionally anodized, although in various embodiments it can be made ofother materials as well, including any type of metal, wood, plastic, orcombination thereof. The interior lighting frame portion mayadvantageously comprise a printed circuit board.

Other variations may pertain to the manner of attaching the lightingframe to a camera or other image capture device. Rather than using asingle mounting bracket or assembly, for example, multiple mountingbrackets or assemblies may be used. Also, the mounting bracket orassembly may be permanently attached or affixed to the lighting frame,and may be, for example, retractable or foldable for convenience oftransportation. The lighting frame may attach either to the camera bodyor to the lens portion of the camera. The lighting frame may attach tothe camera lens through any of a variety of means, such as by engagingan outer camera lens threading through a threading on the interiorcircular hole of the lighting frame, engaging an inner camera lensthreading by providing a complementary threaded extension for thatpurpose, by a strap means to secure the lighting frame to the cameraand/or stand, or by a “hose-clamp” type strap which grips the outercylinder of the camera lens. Also, rather than attaching to the camera,the lighting frame may be portable, and may be outfitted with handlesfor lighting crew to manually carry or hold the lighting frame, or maybe adapted to attach to a stand or fixture for providing stationaryillumination. The lighting frame may also be adapted to attach to amachine arm or other contrivance for allowing the lighting effectssystem to be moved as needed for filming or other desired purposes.

Further embodiments, variations, and modifications pertain to the typeof lamp elements that may be utilized in a lighting effects systemand/or the manner of constructing a lighting frame particularly wellsuited for placing numerous lamp elements thereon. One method ofconstruction involves the use of surface mount LEDs of the typeillustrated, for example, in FIG. 31. As shown therein, a surface mountLED 3100 comprises a body 3104 having a thermal shoe on the bottomsurface 3103 and a pair of soldering tabs 3102 for securing the surfacemount LED 3100 to a circuit board (e.g., an aluminum core circuit board)or other suitable surface. A lens 3101 atop the body 3104 directs thelight generated by the surface mount LED 3100 outwards. While the body3104 and the lens 3101 of the surface mount LED 3100 radiate heat, thesoldering tabs 3102 as well as the thermal shoe on the bottom surface3103 assist in conducting heat to the mounting surface (e.g., circuitboard) and thus may provide advantageous heat dissipation capabilities,particularly as compared to non-surface mount LEDs which tend todissipate heat typically through their leads. Use of surface mount LEDsprovides a larger and more direct heat conduction path to the mountingsurface (e.g., circuit board), and may also provide advantages in easeof fabrication and improved durability.

In various embodiments as described herein, the lamp elements used in alighting effects system or lighting apparatus may comprise high outputsemiconductor lights such as, for example, high output LEDs. Such highoutput LEDs are available from Lumileds Lighting, LLC of San Jose,Calif. under the product brand name Luxeon™. High output LEDs arepresently available in white as well as colors such as green, blue, red,amber, and cyan, are fully dimmable, and generally operate at about oneto several Watts (e.g., 5 Watts), outputting in certain devicesapproximately 24 lumens per Watt. The high output LEDs may be mountedupon, e.g., a metal printed circuit board (PCB) such as an aluminum corecircuit board. High output LEDs may be used in connection with any ofthe embodiments previously described herein, and may provide advantagesof increased lighting output with fewer lamp elements and, hence,reduced cost of construction in certain cases. However, the drivingcircuitry for the high output LEDs would generally need to have a higheroutput rating than the circuitry used for lower power LEDs.

FIGS. 36A and 36B are diagrams of two other types of high outputsurface-mount LEDs, both of which are commercially available fromLumileds Lighting, LLC under the brand name Luxeon™. In FIG. 36A, thesurface mount LED 3600 comprises an aluminum bottom plate 3611 atop ofwhich is a printed circuit board (PCB) 3608 (e.g., a fiberglass boardsuch as a standard FR4 board). A high output light source 3605 ismounted atop the PCB 3608. The aluminum bottom plate 3611 acts as athermal conveyance which assists in conduction of heat to a mountingsurface (e.g., circuit board) for thermal dissipation. FIG. 36C shows anoblique view of the surface mount LED 3600 shown in FIG. 36A,illustrating, in this example, the relatively wide bottom plate 3611relative to the size of the light source 3605. The bottom plate 3611 andPCB 3608 preferably have notches 3615 through which screws may be placedto secure the surface mount LED 3600 to a mounting surface. FIG. 36Billustrates another surface mount LED 3650 that is similar in certainrespects to the surface mount LED 3650 shown in FIG. 36A, with analuminum bottom plate 3661 and printed circuit board 3658 (e.g.,fiberglass board such as a standard FR4 board). However, in contrast tothe surface mount LED 3600 shown in FIG. 36A, which is Lambertian(domed) in nature, the high output light source 3655 of surface mountLED 3650 is a side emitting light source. Other alternative types ofsurface mount LEDs, with similar or alternative mounting mechanisms, mayalso be utilized in various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 37A is a diagram of one embodiment of a lens cap 3702 for a singleLED. The lens cap 3702 may act as a focusing lens to direct the lightoutput from an LED in a forward (or other) direction. FIGS. 37B and 37Cillustrate placement of the lens cap 3702 with respect to the surfacemount LED 3600 of FIG. 36A. As illustrated, the protruding tabs 3704 onthe base of the lens cap 3702 may be used to lock the lens cap 3702 intoplace by snugly residing in the holes 3615 of the base of the surfacemount LED 3600. A similar type of lens cap may be used for other typesof LEDs. While six tabs 3704 are shown in the example of FIGS. 37A-37C,the number of tabs, or the nature and/or shape of other alternativesecuring means, may depend upon the particular size, shape, andconfiguration of the LED base. Also, fewer tabs may be used if there isa desire leave some holes 3615 in the LED base available for receivingsecuring screws to hold the LED to a mounting surface. In such a case,the lens cap 3702 may be indented or otherwise shaped to allowrelatively convenient access to the holes 3615 needed for attachingscrews. The lens cap 3702 is illustrated as domed, but may be of anysuitable shape for focusing light in a desired manner.

The lens cap 3702 may have an advantage in providing local effects on anindividual basis for LEDs. Also, where different color lighting elementsare placed within a single high output LED 3600, the lens cap 3702 maybe configured to provide local blending of the different colorsaccording to a desired mix.

FIGS. 37D and 37E are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of a lenscap 3752 for an LED, and placement thereof with respect to a particulartype of LED 3600. With reference first to FIG. 37E, an illustratedembodiment of lens cap 3752 is shown from an oblique viewpoint in agenerally funnel shape, with a cone-like or tapered portion 3753 and ashort cylindrical portion 3754 at the apex (i.e., narrow end) of thetapered portion 3753. The lens cap 3752, including the cone-like taperedportion 3753, is preferably transmissive in nature such that lighttravels through it substantially unimpeded. FIG. 37D, which is a sideprofile diagram, illustrates preferred placement of the lens cap 3752with respect to a particular type of LED (that is, the LED 3600illustrated in FIGS. 36A and 36C). The cylindrical portion 3754 of thelens cap 3752 rests atop the LED 3600, with the tapered portion 3753gradually widening away from the LED 3600. A concave recess 3755 withinthe cylindrical portion 3754 may be provided, and is adapted to receivethe curved lens 3605 of the LED 3600, as illustrated in FIG. 36D. Lightfrom the LED 3600 enters through the short cylindrical portion 3754 ofthe lens cap 3752, and exits through the top surface 3759 (see FIG. 37E)thereof. The particular shape of the lens cap 3752 in FIGS. 37D and 37Eserves to collect light from the LED 3600 that would otherwise emanateomnidirectionally, and focus the light in a generally conical beamemanating from the top of the lens cap 3752, thus providing a lightsource with greater directivity.

The lens cap 3752 may be formed of, e.g., glass, plastic, or othersuitable material or compound/layers of material, with any desiredrefractive index(es). One type of lens cap is commercially available,for example, from Lumileds Lighting, LLC.

FIG. 32 is a generalized diagram of an array of surface mount LEDs 3202(of the type such as shown, for example, in FIG. 31, 36A, or 36B)mounted atop a circuit board 3204, as may be used in various embodimentsas described herein (for example, the lighting effects systemillustrated in FIG. 4). The circuit board 3204 may comprise rigidfiberglass or phenolic planes with electrically conductive tracks etchedon them, and/or may be metallic in nature (such as aluminum core PCBs).The term “circuit board” as used herein is meant to encompass theforegoing structures as well as various other types mounting apparatus,including flexible electrical interconnects such as conductive membranesmade on thin Mylar, silicone, or other similar materials. The surfacemount LEDs 3202 may be connected together in series and/or in parallelby electrical traces 3203 on the circuit board 3200. While the LEDs 3202are illustrated in FIG. 32 as being in a straight line array, other LEDpatterns may also be utilized. As previously mentioned, the solderingtabs and thermal shoe on the bottom each of the surface mount LEDs 3202generally assist in conducting heat to the circuit board 3204, thusproviding advantageous heat dissipation capabilities.

FIG. 35 is a diagram of a lighting apparatus 3500 embodied as a panel3502 having lighting arrays mounted thereon or therewith, in accordancewith various embodiments as described herein. As illustrated in FIG. 35,the lighting apparatus 3500 comprises a panel 3502 which is preferablyflat and provides suitable surface area for mounting a set of lampelements, such as lamp elements 3505 on circuit board assemblies 3506.The circuit board assemblies 3506 may generally be constructed inaccordance with the principles described with respect to FIG. 32 above,and the lamp elements 3505 may comprise, for example, surface mount LEDssuch as illustrated in FIG. 31. In the example shown, the lamp elements3505 are generally arranged in series in a straight array formation, butthe lamp elements 3505 may be arranged in other patterns as well.Likewise, the circuit board assemblies 3606 are illustrated in FIG. 35as being arranged in a symmetrical pattern of rows thus providingrelatively even illumination in many scenarios, the circuit boardassemblies 360 may be arranged in other symmetrical or non-symmetricalpatterns, and may be grouped or clustered as well. Furthermore, whilethe panel 3202 is shown in FIG. 35 as being generally rectangular inshape, the panel 3202 may take any suitable shape, including, forexample, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal or semi-polygonal, orround, oval, or ring-shaped (such as illustrated in FIG. 4 for example).

Surface mount technology for the LEDs used in various embodiments asdisclosed herein may simplify replacement of the LEDs (allowing “dropin” replacements for example) or else may allow easy replacement of anentire row or array of LEDs should it be desired to change the color ofa particular group of LEDs. Also, the LED arrays may be constructed suchthat the LEDs have screw-in bases or other similar physical attachmentmeans, such that the LEDs can be easily removed and replaced.

Various controls, power supply, and camera mounting means are not shownin FIG. 35, but may be employed in a manner similar to the various otherembodiments as described herein. It will be appreciated that the controlelectronics, power supply, and other electrical components may be partof the panel 3202 or else may be separate therefrom. Furthermore, thelighting apparatus described with respect to FIG. 35 may be embodied asa bi-color or other multi-color lighting system, as described withrespect to, e.g., FIGS. 33 and 34.

The lighting apparatus 3500 of FIG. 35 or other various lighting effectssystems and apparatuses as described herein may include means fordirecting light at different angles. Such means may include, forexample, pivotable light arrays which physically alter the angle of thelamp elements with respect to the frame (e.g., mounting) surface. Thepivoting light arrays may be either manually controllable (via, e.g., arotatable knob or crank) or electronically controllable through standardelectronic input means (e.g., buttons or control knob). Such means mayalternatively include adjustable lens elements (either individual orcollective for an entire lens array or other group of lamp elements) forredirecting the illumination in a desired direction. Such means mayfurther alternatively include, for example, groups of lamp elementswherein each group has a predetermined angle or range of angles withrespect to the frame surface. Each group of lamp elements may beseparately controllable, so that different groups can be separatelyactivated or de-activated, or separately intensified or dimmed. With theability to vary the angle of the lamp elements, the lighting effectssystem may, for example, allow the abrupt or gradual switching from oneangle of illumination to another, or from a more targeted to a moredispersive illumination pattern (or vice versa).

FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate various panel light embodiments using surfacemount LEDs. In FIG. 39, a panel light 3900 comprises one or more rows orarrays (in this example, two rows or arrays) of surface mount LEDs 3905secured to a mounting surface 3902. Screws 3996 are used in this exampleto secure the bases of the surface mount LEDs 3905 to the mountingsurface 3902. FIG. 40 is similar, with a panel light 4001 having, inthis example, four rows or arrays of surface mount LEDs 4005 securing toa mounting surface 4002 with, e.g., screws 4096. The mounting surfaces3902 or 4002 may comprise a circuit board, and thus LEDs 3905 or 4005may be mounted directly to a circuit board type mounting surface. Thecircuit board may be attached to an outer frame of aluminum or anotherpreferably lightweight material, to provide a solid structural supportfor the circuit board. Panel lights 3900 or 4001 such as shown in FIG.39 and 40 may be used as relatively lightweight, portable lightingfixtures that generate less heat than incandescent lighting fixtures,and may be provided with handles for manual manipulation or withbrackets or other means to connect to a yoke, stand, or other mechanicalcontraption. The panel lights 3900 and 4001 may use a ballast to supplypower or, in some instances, may be directly connected to an ACelectrical outlet (e.g., wall socket).

FIG. 41A illustrates a panel light 4100 of the general type shown, forexample, in FIGS. 39 and 40, further illustrating a number of heatconductive fins 4112 which serve to assist with heat dissipation. Thepanel light 4100 may optionally include a means for facilitatingattachment to a single- or multi-panel lighting assembly. In the presentexample, the panel light 4100 has a pair of T-shaped cutouts 4116located in each of the fins 4112, such that the T-shaped cutouts 4116form a pair of straight line, T-shaped grooves through the series offins 4112. The T-shaped cutouts 4116 may be slid over a T-shaped bar toattach the panel light 4100 to a lighting assembly.

FIG. 41B is a diagram of an example of a multi-panel lighting assembly4150, illustrating attachment of a panel light 4100 as shown in FIG. 41Ato the lighting assembly 4150. In the example of FIG. 41B, the lightingassembly 4150 includes a pair of T-shaped bars 4165 which protrude froma lighting assembly frame 4160, and which are matched to the T-shapedcutouts 4116 in the lighting panel 4100 of FIG. 41A. Once the lightingpanel 4100 is slid into place along the T-shaped bars 4165, theysecurely hold the lighting panel 4100 in place. Insulated caps (notshown), made of rubber or plastic for example, or other such means maybe place on the ends of the T-shaped bars 4165 to prevent the lightingpanel 4100 from sliding out of place. In the particular example shown,the multi-panel lighting assembly 4150 is configured to receive up totwo lighting panels 4100 of the type shown in FIG. 41A, although such anassembly may be configured to receive any number of lighting panels 4100depending upon the particular needs of the application. The multi-panellighting assembly 4150 also has another lighting panel 4167 that may be“permanently” attached to or integral with the multi-panel lightingassembly 4150, or else may likewise be attachable and detachable in themanner of lighting panel 4100. The multi-panel lighting assembly 4150thereby provides a lighting operator with a variety of lightingconfigurations in a single unit. Other similar modular multi-panellighting assemblies may be constructed according to the same or similarprinciples, having any number of panel lights in a variety of differentsizes and/or shapes. The multi-panel lighting assembly 4150 may, incertain embodiments, be used in connection with a lighting stand such asillustrated, for example, in FIG. 43 and described elsewhere herein.

Attachment of panel lights (such as, e.g., panel lights 4100) to a of amulti-panel lighting assembly (such as, e.g., multi-panel lightingassembly 4150) may be accomplished by a variety of means. For example,rather than using complementary bars 4165 and cutouts 4116, the panellight 4100 may drop down and lock into an opening in the multi-panellighting assembly 4150. In such a case, the housing or frame of themulti-panel lighting assembly 4150 may have a molded beam with traversesthe outer edge of the opening in which the panel light 4100 would bepositioned. Locking tabs, for example, or other such means may be usedto secure the dropped-in panel light 4100 within the opening if themulti-panel lighting assembly 4150.

FIG. 38A is a diagram of ring-shaped lighting panel 3800 having surfacemount LEDs 3805 (such as, e.g., the high output surface mount LEDs shownin FIG. 36A or 36B) attached to a mounting surface of a frame 3802which, as with the panel lights described before, may comprise a circuitboard. The ring-shaped lighting panel 3800 may have a camera mountingbracket (not shown in FIG. 38A) and generally be utilized in a mannersimilar to the ring-shaped lighting assembly shown in FIG. 4 anddescribed in various places herein. The surface mount LEDs 3805 in theexample of FIG. 38A are arranged in a plurality of rows or arrays 3806emanating from the center of the hole or cutout region 3803 of thelighting panel 3800. While a relatively dense pattern of LEDs 3805 isillustrated in FIG. 38A, the pattern may be less dense, and the LEDs3805 need not necessarily be deployed in rows or arrays. Because theLEDs 1305 in this example are high output, the lighting panel 3800outputs a greater total amount of light than with ordinary LEDs. Also,fewer LEDs need to be physically mounted on the lighting panel 3800,which can reduce cost of construction.

FIG. 38B is a cross-sectional view of the lighting panel 3800 showingthe inclusion of optional fins 3812 on the backside of the frame 3802,to assist with heat dissipation. The fins 3812 are shown incross-section, and form a set of parallel members similar to the fins4112 shown in FIG. 41A.

FIG. 42A illustrates an integrated lens cover 4200 which can be placedatop, e.g., a panel light 4202 for providing focusing for a plurality ofLEDs simultaneously. The panel light 4202 has rows of LEDs 4205, similarto FIGS. 39 and 40, and the integrated lens cover 4210 may be placedatop the panel light 4202 and, e.g., snapped into place by taps 4212, orotherwise secured to the frame of the panel light 4202. FIG. 42B showsadditional detail of the integrated lens cover 4210. The integrated lenscover may be formed of any suitable lightweight, durable material (suchas plastic) and preferably has a number of focal lens portions 4219which, when the unit is placed atop the panel light 4202, act as focallenses for LEDs 4205 which are positioned directly beneath the focallens portions 4219. The integrated focal lens 4210 may thus allow thepanel light 4202 to provide more directed, focused light (e.g., in aforward direction), rather than allowing the light to diffuse in anomnidirectional fashion. Alternatively, the integrated focal lens 4210may provide other focusing effects that can be done with lenses. Thefocal lens portions 4219 may be domed or semi-domed, or else any othershape sufficient to serve their intended purpose.

FIGS. 42C and 42D are side profile diagrams illustrating further detailsof alternative embodiments of an integrated focal lens. FIG. 42Cillustrates an integrated focal lens 4265 with tapered focal lenses 4251emanating from the underside of the sheet-like surface 4250 of theintegrated focal lens 4265. In the instant example, the tapered focallenses 4251 appear as inverted cone-like projections, with small concaverecesses 4252 for receiving the dome-like lenses 4255 of LEDs 4256,which are mounted to a mounting surface 4260. The tapered focal lenses4251 may be constructed in a manner as generally described previouslywith respect to FIGS. 37D and 37E, and may also have a short cylindricalportion 3754 such as illustrated in those figures, for resting atop theLEDs 4256 and providing added support to the top surface 4250 of theintegrated focal lens 4265. Alternatively, separate struts (not shown)may be molded to the underside of the integrated focal lens 4265 toprovide such support. The integrated focal lens 4265 may, in certainembodiments, be constructed by attaching (using glue or solvent)individual, tapered focal lenses of the type illustrated in FIGS. 37Dand 37E to the underside of a clear plastic sheet, and then providingsecuring means for the overall resulting lens device to allow it tosecure to, e.g., a panel lighting fixture.

FIG. 42D illustrates an alternative embodiment of an integrated focallens 4285, with bubble-shaped or domed focal lenses 4271 on the topsideof the sheet-like surface 4250 of the integrated focal lens 4285. Thefocal lenses 4271 may be constructed in a manner as generally describedpreviously with respect to FIGS. 37A-37C, and may also have one or moreprojecting members or struts (not shown) on the underside of theintegrated focal lens 4285 to provide support for the top surface 4270thereof. Other shapes and styles of integrated focal lenses (or otherlenses) may also be utilized for an integrated focal lens.

FIG. 43 illustrates a panel lighting assembly 4300 in which a panellight frame 4302 is attached to a stand 4380. The panel light frame 4302may include multiple panel light sections 4303, 4304, or may be a singleunitary panel light. The stand 4380 may be of a conventional nature,with a C-shaped yoke 4381 for securing the panel light frame 4302crossbar and allowing it to tilt for directional lighting. A twistinghandle 4317 may be used to lock the panel light frame 4302 at aparticular tilting angle. The C-shaped yoke 4381 may be rotatable orpivotable by placement atop a fluid head 4382, which in turn ispositioned atop a stem 4384 and tripod 4386. The panel lighting assembly4300 thus conveniently provides a variety of directional lightingoptions for the panel light frame 4302.

In alternative embodiments, a ball-and-socket mechanism may be used torotate/pivot an attached lighting panel, using socket joints similar tothose used for, e.g., computer monitors. Likewise, in any of theforegoing embodiments, motorization may be employed to control themovement of the lighting yokes or stands. Motorized control is wellknown in the art for lighting apparatus (particularly in the performingarts field), and the motorized control may be either automated or manualin nature.

FIG. 45 is a diagram of another embodiment of a lighting fixture 4500employing semiconductor light elements. In FIG. 45 is shown a flexiblestrip 4502 with an array of surface mount LEDs 4505 mounted on theflexible strip 4502. The flexible strip 4502 preferably comprises acircuit board that may be comprised, for example, of a material such asmylar or composite material, of sufficient thinness to allow the circuitboard to be bent and/or twisted. The circuit board may be at leastpartially encased in an insulated (e.g., rubberized) material or housingthat is likewise flexible and thin. Heat dissipating fins (not shown inFIG. 45) may protrude from the backside of the flexible strip 4502, toassist with cooling of the surface mount LEDs 4505. While a single arrayof surface mount LEDs 4505 is illustrated in the example of FIG. 45, twoor more arrays of LEDs 4505 may be used, and may be positioned, e.g.,side by side. An electrical connector 4540 with electrical contactreceptacles 4541 is also illustrated in the example of FIG. 45, forreceiving an electrical cord (not shown) supplying power for the LEDs4505. Other alternative means for providing electrical power, such as abattery located in an integrated battery housing, may also be used.

According to one or more embodiments as disclosed herein, a versatilelighting apparatus in the form of an LED-based light panel is provided,preferably having a variety of mounting options or configurations, anattachable or integrated battery unit, and alternative means forreceiving a power supply input. In a preferred embodiment, the versatileLED-based light panel includes a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs orother light elements secured to the panel frame. A self-containedbattery unit securably attaches to the outside of the panel frame. Thelight panel may have a dimmer switch, and may also be capable ofreceiving power from a source other than the self-contained batteryunit. The lighting apparatus can be mounted to a camera or a standthrough adapters. One or more focal lenses, diffusion lenses or colorgels can be integrated with or detachable from the light panel. Thelighting apparatus may conveniently be provided in the form of a kit,with one or more of a light panel, self-contained battery unit, compactstand, connecting cable(s), adapter(s), lenses or color gels, and so on,provided in a single package.

FIGS. 47A and 47B are diagrams of a lighting apparatus 4700 inaccordance with one or more embodiments as disclosed herein. Thelighting apparatus 4700 is preferably portable and versatile in nature,as further described herein. The lighting apparatus 4700 in this exampleincludes a panel, fixture or frame (hereinafter “panel”) 4702 having aplurality of semiconductor light elements (such as LEDs or LECs) 4705mounted on a mounting surface 4704 of the panel 4702. As illustrated inFIG. 47A, the semiconductor light elements 4705 may be disposed inuniform arrays to provide a broad light source. The mounting surface4704 may includes one or more circuit board assemblies, generallyconstructed in accordance with the principles described previously withrespect to FIG. 32. Although the semiconductor light elements 4705 areillustrated as being arranged in uniform arrays, they may be arranged inother patterns as well. Furthermore, while the panel 4702 is shown inFIG. 47A as being generally rectangular in shape, the panel 4702 mayalternatively be of any suitable shape, including, for example,hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal or semi-polygonal, or round,oval, square, or ring-shaped (such as illustrated in FIG. 4, forexample).

The semiconductor light elements 4705 may be surface mounted (e.g.,surface mount LEDs), which may have the advantage, for example, ofsimplifying replacement of the LEDs (allowing “drop in” replacements forexample) or else may allow easy replacement of an entire row (e.g.,inter-connect set, etc.) or array of LEDs should it be desired, forexample, to change the color, size, shape, or other characteristics of aparticular group of LEDs. The light elements or LEDs may have screw-inbases or other similar physical attachment means, such that the LEDs canbe easily removed and replaced.

The panel 4702 may further include an integrated dimmer control 4726, inthe form of a knob, switch, or other mechanism, to allow the intensityof the semiconductor light elements 4715 to be adjusted. As one exampleof an implementation, a dimmer control 4726 in the form of a manual knobmay control the conductance of a potentiometer or variable resistor(similar to 5735 in FIG. 57), to adjust the amount of current reachingthe semiconductor light elements 4705. More than one dimmer control4726, and/or switches, may optionally be provided, so as to controlgroups of semiconductor light elements 4705, for example, or to turn onor off certain groups of the semiconductor light elements 4705. Anexample of electronic circuitry as may be used in connection with dimmercontrol 4726 is described with respect to FIG. 57.

As illustrated in FIG. 47B, the panel 4702 preferably further includes asocket 4724 or other input for receiving a power connection (e.g.,cable) to provide electrical power to the semiconductor light elements4705. The panel 4702 may also include various heat dissipating fins4712, which may be arranged, for example, in arrays of metal or heatconductive rods, integrated on the back side of the panel 4702, in orderto efficiently dissipate heat generated by the semiconductor lightelements 4705. The heat dissipating fins 4712 may generally be similarto those described elsewhere herein, for example, with respect to FIG.38A or 41A. The heat dissipating fins 4712 may be of any suitable sizeor shape, and may be extended, for example, to accommodate higherwattage LEDs or light elements. Other types of heat dissipationmechanisms may also be used.

The lighting apparatus 4700 of FIGS. 47A and 47B may be particularlyadapted to receive an attachable/detachable battery unit, so as toprovide a self-contained unit having its own power source. FIGS. 48A and48B are diagrams of a panel-based lighting apparatus 4802 such asillustrated in FIGS. 47A-B, together with an attachable battery unit4830, to form a self-contained, self-powered lighting apparatus 4800.The battery unit 4830 may be attachable to the panel 4802 in any of avariety of manners. In the particular example shown in FIGS. 48A and48B, the battery unit 4830 comprises a set of struts 4832 that attach tocorresponding receptacles 4836 of the panel 4802. FIG. 48A shows aperspective view of the light panel 4802 and battery unit 4830 slightlyseparated, while FIG. 48B shows a side view of them attached to oneanother, with the struts 4832 inserted in the receptacles 4836 of thepanel 4802. FIGS. 49A and 49B are diagrams showing attachment of thelight panel 4802 to the attachable battery unit 4830. FIG. 49A inparticular is a simplified diagram omitting certain details such as theheat dissipating fins.

A wide variety of alternative means may be used to attach the batteryunit 4830 to the panel 4802; by way merely of example, the battery unit4830 may slidably attach and engage with the panel 4802, or may haveexternal tabs that grip the panel 4802, or may have pins or screws thatengage with the panel 4802.

The battery unit 4830 preferably delivers power to the light panel 4802through an electrical connector 4840, which may take the form of, e.g.,a jumper cord, and may insert into electrical sockets 4834 (in thebattery unit 4830) and 4824 (in the panel 4802). Alternatively, thefront side of the battery unit 4830 and backside of the panel 4802 maybe provided with a mating male/female electrical plug and socket, whichautomatically engage when the battery unit 4830 is attached to the panel4802. As with the lighting apparatus 4700 of FIGS. 47A-B, a dimmerswitch 4826 may be provided in a convenient location on the panel 4802,to adjust the light intensity. One or more batteries, possiblyreplaceable, may be integrated with battery unit 4830. The battery, orbatteries, may have a nominal voltage rating of appropriate level, suchas 12 volts. The battery, or batteries, of battery unit 4730 is/arepreferably rechargeable in nature.

A diffusion lens or filter may also be used, by itself or in conjunctionwith a color gel or colored lens, to diffuse or soften the outgoinglight. A diffusion lens or filter may be formed of, e.g., clear or whiteopaque plastic, and may be configured in a shape of similar dimension tothe panel 4702 or 4802 to facilitate mounting thereon. One suchdiffusion filter 5029 is shown in FIG. 50A. A preferred diffusionfilter/lens would be a Light Shaping Diffusor material (e.g.,holographic, etc.). A color correction mechanism, such as a lens filterand/or color gel, may be used to alter the color of the light elementsof a lighting apparatus such as depicted in FIG. 47A-B or 48A-B. Forexample, LED light sources could, if necessary, be converted to“tungsten daylight” (similar in hue to an incandescent bulb) by use of acolor gel and/or colored lens.

The lighting apparatuses 4700 and 4800 are preferably adapted to beutilized in conjunction with various lenses and/or color gels, toincrease their versatility. FIG. 50A is a diagram illustrating oneembodiment having a lens 5010 and optional color gel 5029 used with thelighting apparatus 4800 illustrated in FIGS. 48A-B, and FIG. 50B is aside view diagram illustrating the lens 5020 in place. The lens 5010 ispreferably readily attachable to the panel 4802 of the lightingapparatus 4800, by fastening means such as complementary Velcro patches5022, 5012. Alternatively, the lens 5010 could snap or slide on to thepanel 4802, or be attached using screws, nuts/bolts, pins, or other suchmeans. The filter/lens 5010 (as with 6327, described later herein) maycomprise, e.g., a Fresnel lens (to adjust the focus/spread of thelight), a holographic lens, or any other type of lens, or combinationsthereof. The color gel 5029 is preferably inserted beneath the lens 5010and is secured beneath it. As depicted in FIG. 50A, the color gel 5029has cutouts on each of the corners so as not to interfere with theVelcro patches 5022, 5012.

The lighting apparatus 4700 is preferably portable in nature and can beadapted for use in a variety of ways. To facilitate mounting of thelighting apparatus 4700 (whether or not attached to a battery unit, asdepicted in FIGS. 48A-B), the lighting apparatus 4700 may be providedwith one or more adapters. FIG. 59 is a diagram illustrating an exampleof a lighting apparatus 4700 in the form of a panel 4702 with one ormore adapters 5906, 5907 for mounting or affixing the panel 4702 to acamera, stand, or other object or surface. In the example depicted inFIG. 59, the adapters 5906, 5907 are in the form of receptacles suitablefor receiving a mechanical pin (or a similar fastener such as a screw orbolt), allowing convenient and rapid deployment of the lightingapparatus 4700 on, e.g., a camera or stand. Other adapters or fasteningmeans (e.g., hinged tabs, sliding/coupling members, etc.) may also beused.

Examples of ways in which the light apparatus 4700 can be mounted on acamera, stand or other object or surface are illustrated in FIGS. 51through 55, and 60 through 63B. For example, the lighting apparatus 4700may be mounted to a camera, directly to the camera housing or to an armattached to the camera housing. FIG. 51 is a diagram showing onepossible mechanism for mounting a lighting apparatus 4700 in the form ofa light panel to a camera 5107. While the description below is explainedin terms of lighting apparatus 4700, it also applies to the lightingapparatus 4800 having an attachable battery unit, as well as otherpossible lighting apparatuses as well. In FIG. 51, the camera 5107includes or is configured with an attachment arm 5110 which may be usedfor mounting the lighting apparatus 4700. The attachment arm 5110 may,for example, be an articulated arm system of the type commerciallyavailable from, e.g., Noga of Israel, sold under the trade name“Hold-It.” The attachment arm 5110 comprises a ball joint 5120 attachedto the housing (or shoe) of the camera 5107, a second ball joint 5125attached to the lighting apparatus 4700 (via, e.g., an adapter 5906 suchas shown in FIG. 59), and a pair of arms 5121, 5124 meeting at anadjustable knob interface 5129. The knob 5129 in this particular exampleallows the ball joints 5120, 5125 to loosen so that the arms 5121, 5124can be positioned as desired, and again tightened with the knob 5129. Inthis example, the lighting apparatus 4700 preferably includes a pinreceptacle for receiving a threaded pin from the ball joint 5125 of theattachment arm 5110.

FIGS. 52A through 52C are diagrams illustrating other attachmentoptions, using various mounting pins, in connection with the lightingapparatus 4700 of FIGS. 47A-B. FIG. 52A, for example, illustrates amounting pin 5210 that may be used to allow the lighting apparatus 4700to attach to a stand or tripod. The mounting pin 5210 in this exampleincludes a threaded pin 5219, a cylindrical body 5212, and a grooveddepression 5223 for providing a gripping region for a clamp or otherattachment mechanism. The lighting apparatus includes a threadedreceptacle (of the type shown in, e.g., FIG. 59, as adapter 5906) forreceiving the threaded pin 5219. FIG. 55 depicts the lighting apparatus4700 attached to a stand 5500 using a mounting pin such as 5210. Thestand 550 has a base 5512, a main arm 5512 (possibly telescoping innature), and an adjustable swing arm 5519 connected to a clamp member5514. The clamp member 5524 in this example comprises a knob 5525 whichloosens and tightens two opposing plates that grip the mounting pin 5210between them. Alternatively, or in addition, the lighting apparatus 4700may have a threaded receptacle on its shorter side instead of, or inaddition to, a threaded receptable on its longer side, to provide analternative mounting option.

FIG. 52C illustrates attachment of the lighting apparatus 4700 to amounting pin 5210 similar to that shown in FIG. 52A, but in thisinstance being coupled to an adapter on the narrow side of the lightingapparatus 4700 instead of its long side (i.e., using an adapter 5907such as shown in FIG. 59).

In FIG. 52B, the lighting apparatus 4700 is attached to a stand orcamera using a mounting pin 5250. The mounting pin 5250 in this examplealso includes a threaded pin 5269 and a cylindrical body 5262. In thiscase, the mounting pin 5250 may have a T-bar 5259 that is securablyattached to the cylindrical body 5262, or else fits into a hollowreceptacle to secure it to the cylindrical body 5262 of the mounting pin5250, thereby allowing it to slide onto a camera having curved fins orother members for receiving the wings of the T-bar 5259. The mountingpin 5250 may alternatively have a pin, receptacle, or other member formounting into a camera shoe or a stand, thus securing the lightingapparatus 4700 to the camera or stand.

The lighting apparatuses 4700 or 4800 may also be adapted to be placedon a compact stand. FIGS. 53A through 53D are diagrams showing differentviews of the lighting apparatus 4800 mounted on one possible type ofstand 5310. In this example, the stand 5310 comprises a base plate 5320with mounting arms 5325, one on each side, attached to L-shaped strutson the base plate 5320. The mounting arms 5325 preferably allow thelighting apparatus 4800 (comprised of the panel 4802 and battery unit4830 in this example, although the same principles would apply to alighting apparatus 4700 having only a panel 4702) to tilt forward andbackward, thus allowing rapid adjustment of the angle of light provided.The stand 5310 is preferably of sufficient weight or bulk to keep theentire unit stable, and to prevent it from falling over regardless ofthe angle of tilt.

FIG. 54 is a diagram showing details of one possible mounting arm 5325configuration for the stand 5310 illustrated in FIGS. 53A-D. As shown inFIG. 54, the mounting arm 5320 is attached to the top of the L-shapedstrut 5410 of the base plate, and includes a rotatable rod 5415 having apin 5421 mounted on a base 5419 attached to the rotatable rod 5415. Thepin 5421 in this example includes a spring-loaded ball bearing 5424. Thelighting apparatus 4700 or 4800 preferably has a pin receptaclecomplementary to the pin 5421 with ball bearing 5425, on each side ofthe base plate, allowing the lighting apparatus 4700 or 4800 to be sliddown the pin(s) 5421, with the spring-loaded ball bearings 5424 allowingthe pins 5421 to lock into place within the pin receptacles. Thelighting apparatus 4700 or 4800 can be removed by pulling it firmlywhile holding the base plate 5320 in place. Of course, other attachmentmeans can be used to allow the lighting apparatus 4700 or 4800 to beattached to a stand, including mounting pins, screws, nuts/bolts,sliding tabs, snapping fasteners, and so on.

The lighting apparatuses 4700 or 4800 in certain embodiments may also bestackable to allow convenient expansion of the lighting source area.FIG. 62 illustrates an example of a stackable panel light 6200, shownmounted on a stand 6220 (similar to stand 5320 of FIGS. 53A-D). In FIG.62, two panel-type lighting apparatuses 4700 are vertically stacked,being held together by one or more front brackets 6205, 6206 and/or oneor more side brackets 6225, which can conveniently be secured toadapters of the type shown in FIG. 59 (i.e., adapters 5906, 5907) usingpins or screws 6226. In the example of FIG. 62, a side bracket is onlyplaced on one side because of the presence of dimmer switches on theopposite side. The front bracket(s) 6205, 6206 may be placed anywherealong the border between the two lighting apparatuses 4700 so long asthey sufficiently secure them together (for example, a single bracketmay be centered). Also the brackets may be placed on the backside ratherthan the front. In any of the embodiments using stacked light panels,power may be provided to both of the lighting apparatuses 4700 using,for example, a split cable or Y-cable that emanates from a single powersource.

The lighting apparatuses 4700 or 4800 may also be adapted to be placedon a tripod type stand. FIGS. 60 and 61 are diagrams showing differenttypes of tripod configurations. In FIG. 60, the lighting apparatus 4700is placed on a compact tripod stand 6013 having a ball joint 6016allowing flexible tilting and angling of the lighting apparatus 4700. InFIG. 61, a tripod 6113 supports an arm (in this example, a telescopingarm 6122) which in turn supports a ball joint 6116 similar to that ofFIG. 60, thereby allowing flexible tiling and angling of the lightingapparatus 4700.

FIGS. 63A and 63B are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of acamera-mountable lighting apparatus 6310. In FIGS. 63A-B, thecamera-mountable lighting apparatus 6310 includes a lighting frame orhousing 6302 in the general nature of a panel light, and is attachableto a camera 6307 using, e.g., a mounting bracket 6355. The lightingapparatus 6310 may include a number of semiconductor light elements 6305arranged in a suitable pattern on a front mounting surface of the panel6302. The panel 6302 may, as described previously, be configured withheat dissipating fins 6312 to allow cooling of the light elements 6305and any other resident electronics. A dimmer switch 6326 havingfunctionality as previously described herein may optionally be provided.A lens cover 6328, of the type generally described with respect to FIGS.42A through 42D, may be placed in front of the light elements 6305. Thelens cover 6328 may be comprised of individual lenses 6327, asillustrated in FIG. 63B, of a type similar to that described withrespect to FIG. 43C (i.e., generally conical in shape). The lenses 6327may be a focusing (e.g., condensing) lens, such as a Fresnel lens, andmay be positioned so as to abut one another, thereby providing a morecontiguous light source as generated from the various light elements6305. Some Fresnel lens designs are considerably thinner than othertypes of lenses (in some cases flat). Such lenses may be assembled intolarger composite arrays (an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 65,described in more detail later herein). Assembly of such compositearrays may enhanced wherein each discrete lens element has, for example,inter-locking tabs to aid in the assembly to the adjacent lens element

The mounting bracket 6355 may be hinged to allow the panel 6302 to tiltbackward or forward, and may also allow the panel 6302 to swivel rightor left. A mounting pin 6371 may be provided to allow it to affix to thecamera 6355, or else a T-bar may be used similar to that shown in FIG.52B.

A lighting apparatus may conveniently be packaged in the form of a kitthat includes a number of components providing increased convenience,flexibility, and adaptability to operators in the field. For example, alighting apparatus kit may include one or more lighting panels 4702, aswell as one or more battery units 4830 (and/or battery adapters such asdescribed with respect to FIG. 58), power jumper cable (for connectingthe power between the panel(s) 4702 and battery unit(s) 4830), an ACadapter and power/recharging cable, one or more lenses 5010, a set ofcolored or diffusion gels 5029 of various tints and hues, or providinglight shaping (e.g., such as with a Fresnel or condensing lens) ordiffusion (e.g., with a holographic lens), and/or one or more compactmounting stands 5310 (or other accessories described herein), all ofwhich can be packaged conveniently in a portable case. The colored ordiffusion gels 5029 may be integrated with the panel 4802, or elsedetachable as depicted in the example of FIGS. 50A-B.

The lighting apparatus and/or battery unit may have electronics whichalso provide increased performance, versatility, and/or flexibility.FIG. 56 is a simplified block diagram illustrating, for example,components of one possible embodiment of a battery unit 5600, which maybe physically constructed in accordance with the battery unit 4830 ofFIGS. 48A-B or otherwise. The battery unit 5600 illustrated in FIG. 56includes a recharging circuit 5615 in addition to one or more batteries5609. A socket 5619 is provided for either receiving an outputelectrical connector 5612 intended to be connected to a light panel(e.g., 4802), or an input electrical connector 5626 which provides a DCvoltage source. In the latter case, the input electrical connector 5626may be connected to a wall source via, e.g., an AC-to-DC adapter. Thebattery or batteries 5609 may be of any suitable type, for example,Lithium-ion, Nickel-metal-hydride (NIMH), Nickel-cadmium, or any othersuitable type. The kit may also include a DC-to-DC adapter to provide amore suitable voltage (e.g., 7.2 V to 12V, which may be attached betweenthe camera and its battery).

The battery unit 5600 may optionally include one or more LED indicatorsfor indicating the state of charging (e.g., when the battery orbatteries 5609 is/are being recharged), and/or act as a meter toindicate the remaining battery charge. For example, the battery unit5600 may have five LED indicators—two green (e.g., full or almost full),one amber (e.g., warning), and two red (e.g., approaching empty andvirtually empty), to indicate the amount of remaining battery charge asit gradually depletes.

FIG. 57 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example ofcircuits or components of an LED-based light panel 5700, as may beconstructed in accordance with, e.g., light panel 4702 or 4802 describedelsewhere herein. The LED-based light panel 5700 in this exampleincludes a power regulator 5710 which preferably provides a relativelyconstant or stabilized current output to one or more arrays or series ofLEDs 5740 (or other semiconductor light elements). Details of possibleembodiments of a power regulator 5710 are described in copending U.S.application Ser. No. 10/708,717 filed Mar. 19, 2004, entitled“Omni-Voltage Direct Current Power Supply,” hereby incorporated byreference as if set forth fully herein. The power regulator 5710preferably includes a switched power supply 5720 under control of acontrol circuit 5725, such as a PIC microcontroller 5725. The switchedpower supply 5720 may be a buck/boost power supply, or else simply abuck or boost power supply, or other type of power supply. A buck/boostpower supply allows the most flexibility, in that the input voltagecould vary over a relatively wide range; a particular example isdescribed in application Ser. No. 10/708,717 referred to above. Avoltage sense circuit 5731 and current sense circuit 5732 providefeedback information to the PIC microcontroller 5725, which informationis used in maintaining the output current to the LEDs 5740 at a stablelevel, and thereby reducing undesirable artifacts such as flicker.

In FIG. 57, a dimmer switch 5726 adjusts a potentiometer or variableresistor 5735, which in turn provides a dimming control input signal5737 to the power regulator 5710. In a preferred embodiment, the dimmercontrol input signal 5737 adjusts the level of gain in a feedback loopfor the PIC microcontroller 5725, thus allowing adjustment of the amountof output current for the LEDs 5740. The circuitry of FIG. 57 can allow,for example, the adjustment of light intensity without a substantialchange in the output color temperature of the light source (i.e., theLEDs), and again, without flicker even at relatively low light outputlevels. These can be significant advantages to those working in thefield.

The battery unit 4830 described previously herein may take on variousdifferent forms and configurations. In alternative embodiments, forexample, the battery unit 4830 may, for example, comprise one or more“standard” or conventional camera batteries, as may be obtained bycompanies such as, e.g., Sony, Panasonic, Canon, and the like. FIG. 58is a diagram of an embodiment of a battery unit 5800, including anadapter panel 5830 for receiving at least one attachable battery 5850,such as a DV (“digital video”) battery. A DV type battery typically hasa battery casing designed to be snapped directly into the camera,although DV batteries may differ from camera manufacturer tomanufacturer. The adapter panel 5830 is preferably constructed to mateto a particular type or brand of battery, and thus different adapterpanels 5830 may be made available, each suited to a particular batteryor family of batteries. At least some DV batteries output less than 12volts—for example, a typical output voltage is 7.2 volts. The batteryunit 5800 may, as illustrated in FIG. 58, comprise two receptor plates5840 each adapted to securably attach a battery 5850 to the adapterpanel 5830. Electrical contacts 5842 provide electrical connection fromthe battery 5830 to downstream electronics or a power output source. Thetwo batteries 5850 may be electrically connected in series viaelectronics integrated in the adapter panel 5830, thus doubling thevoltage to, e.g., 14.4 volts. Alternatively, the adapter panel 5830could include a transformer of other type of DC-DC conversion circuitryto step up the voltage to 12 volts or some other appropriate level.

The battery unit 5800 preferably includes struts 5832 or otherattachment means similar to those of battery unit 4830, in order toallow the battery unit 5800 to readily attach to, e.g., an LED basedlight panel 4802, in a manner similar to the way in which battery unit4830 may connect to the panel 4802.

FIGS. 64A and 64B are diagrams of another embodiment of a panel light,having one or more adjustable lenses or gels. In FIG. 64A, a panel light6400 is shown in top view, while in FIG. 64B the panel light 6400 isshown from an oblique view. The panel light 6400 is conceptually similarto the panel light illustrated, for example, in FIG. 38B, in that thepanel light 6400 has a plurality of semiconductor light elements (suchas LEDs) 6405 affixed to or otherwise disposed upon a mounting surfaceof a light panel frame 6402. When embodied as LEDs, the semiconductorlight elements 6405 may be high-output and/or surface mount in nature.The frame 6402 may include heat dissipating fins 6412 protruding fromits backside, to assist with cooling of the semiconductor light elements6405.

The shape of the panel light 6400 depicted in FIGS. 64A-64 is square orrectangular, although it may be of any shape, including the variousshapes previously mentioned herein. The semiconductor light elements6405 in the example of FIG. 64A are preferably arranged in a pluralityof rows or arrays. In one example, the panel light 6400 is roughlytwelve inches square, with a 6×6 grid of semiconductor light elements6405. However, the pattern of semiconductor light elements may be moredense or less dense, and they need not be disposed in rows or arrays.The frame 6402 may be, e.g., placed in a yoke or other stand, asdescribed previously with respect to FIG. 43.

Also illustrated in FIGS. 64A-64B are various lenses and/or filterswhich may be used to adjust the light emitted by the semiconductor lightelements 6405. In this example, the lenses and/or filters may bephysically positioned in slots so that they are positioned in front ofthe semiconductor light elements 6405. A pair of arms 6420 extend fromthe mounting surface of the frame 6402. Each arm 6420 has one or moreslots 6423, 6436, 6427 which is designed to hold an edge of a lens orfilter. A set of slots 6423 (in this example, five slots) can be used toallow adjustment of a removable focal lens 6433, by allowing placementof the removable focal lens 6433 in any of the plurality of slots 6423.In FIG. 64A, the removable focal lens 6433 is shown positioned in themiddle slot of the set of five slots 6423. Moving the removable focallens 6433 into a more forward slot would narrow the spread of lightemitted by the semiconductor light elements 6405, while moving it into aslot closer to the semiconductor light elements 6405 would cause a widerspread of light. The multi-slot arrangement thus provides a variablefocal/spread capability.

Similarly, in slot 6426 may be placed an optional color gel or filteringlens 6436. The operator of the panel light 6400 may select from any of avariety of different color gels or filtering lenses to adjust theoverall hue of the emitted light. In addition, in slot 6427 may beplaced an optional diffusion lens 6437. The operator of the panel light6400 may select from any of a variety of different diffusion lenses toadjust the overall ambience of the emitted light.

Alternatively, instead of using slots to adjust the distance of thelenses or filters from the semiconductor light elements 6405, othermechanical means (such as adjustable screws, gears, ratchet/releasemechanisms, or other well known devices) may be used to adjust the lensor filter distance. As another alternative, a flexible circuit board maybe used as the mounting surface of the LEDs or semiconductor lightelements, and bent or warped to bring the light elements closer to thelenses or filters.

A variation of the panel light 6400 illustrated in FIGS. 64A-64B, butnot needing multiple slots for focal lens adjustment, is shown in FIG.66, and a particular compound lens 6500 suitable for use therewith isillustrated in FIG. 65. In FIG. 65 is illustrated both a side view and afront view of a compound lens 6500 that comprises a number of individuallens elements 6516 (some of which are individually numbered 6502, 6504,6506, and 6508), each of which may have a different characteristic, orgroups of which may have specific characteristics. As one example, thelens elements 6516 may be arranged in a “checkerboard” pattern, so that,e.g., lens elements 6502 and 6508 would have a first set ofcharacteristics, and lens elements 6504 and 6506 would have a second setof characteristics (the pattern being repeated throughout the 6×6 gridof lens elements 6516). The first set of lens elements 6516 whichincludes 6502 and 6508 may have a first focal/spreading angle (e.g., 20degrees), while the second set of lens elements 6516 which includes 6504and 6506 may have a second focal/spreading angle (e.g., 50 degrees).FIG. 66 illustrates placement of the compound lens 6500 in a panel light6600 between two arms 6620 (similar to arms 6420 in FIG. 64 but withonly one slot instead of a set of, e.g, five slots). The edges of thecompound lens 6500 are illustrated as dashed lines 6641, 6642,indicating that they are beneath the top surface for arms 6620. Inpractice, the effective portion of the lens elements 6502, 6504, etc.may be rather small so that they are only slightly larger than thesemiconductor light elements 6602 which they cover.

In operation, the amount of light spread is adjusted by controlling theintensity of the semiconductor light elements 6602 associated with eachgroup of lens elements in the checkerboard pattern. Thus, the lightelements 6602 associated with the first group of lens elements 6502,6508, etc. are adjusted to increase their intensity to increase thefirst characteristic (for example, to have more sharply focused light),while the light elements 6602 associated with the second group of lenselements 6504, 6506, etc. are simultaneously adjusted to decrease theirintensity to decrease the second characteristic (for example, to reducethe amount of widely spread light). A single automatic or manualcontrol, such as a knob or sliding switch, can be used to simultaneouslyincrease the intensity of the first group of light elements whiledecreasing the intensity of the second group of light elements, and viceversa. Alternatively, two different automatic or manual controls may beused to separately adjust the intensities of the first and second groupsof light elements, and hence the first and second characteristics.

The principles of the compound lens 6500 may be extrapolated, such thatthere may be, for example, three or more groups of lens elements and ofsemiconductor light elements. Having more than two groups may requireadditional automatic or manual controls, but at the same time mayprovide additional capabilities and lighting effects.

According to a preferred embodiment as disclosed herein, a lightingsystem (such as a mountable light panel) includes one or more of thefollowing features: (1) variable color; (2) variable light focus/spread;(3) variable brightness; (4) variable size; and (5) variable diffusion.

Variable color may allow the lighting operator to effectively “dial-in”any color hue, for example, between daylight to Tungsten, or between anyother two colors. An illustrative embodiment provides two color groupsof LEDs (e.g., Tungsten and daylight), with the ability to control eachgroup separately or in tandem. The Tungsten and daylight LEDs may bearranged in a checkerboard or other pattern similar to the layout oflens elements described with respect to FIG. 65. Thus, the Tungsten LEDsmay correspond to lens elements 6602 and 6608 in FIG. 65, while thedaylight LEDs may correspond to lens elements 6604 and 6606. Byseparately intensifying or dimming between the Tungsten and daylightgroups, or by doing so in tandem, the actual hue of the emitted lightcan be altered. The LEDs may actually emit light at daylight andTungsten color temperatures, or alternatively, one class of LEDs (e.g.,daylight only) may be used with color filtration employed to achieve thesecond color group on some of the LEDs.

Variable light focus/spread may provide the lighting operator theability to adjust the beam spread of light from a narrow “spot” to andwide “flood,” as previously described with respect to FIG. 65. Oneapproach would utilize multiple groups of LEDs which are controlledseparately. The lensing, for example, on the first group could beconfigured with spot lenses (e.g, 20 degree coverage), with the secondgroup configured with wider flood lenses (e.g., 50 degree coverage). Thephysical layout of the lenses may be similar to that of a checkerboardarray, where the “black” squares are the spot lenses (6502 and 6508 inFIG. 65), and the “white” squares are the flood lenses (6504 and 6506),with the array of lenses being placed in the path of the light emittedby the LEDs. By separately intensifying or dimming the LED groups, ordoing to in tandem, the beamspread of the light is changed.Focal/spreading adjustability can also be achieved by altering thedistance of the focus lens(es) from the light source, as previouslydescribed with respect to FIGS. 64A-64B. The adjustment mechanics maybe, e.g., a geared-based system, wherein the user adjusts a dial, whichthen in turn alters the spacing between the LED and the lens. Yetanother approach would involve removable lenses, such as a set of“fixed” lenses (e.g., spot and flood lenses). A user would simply insertthe appropriate lens or array of lenses into the lighting frame via, forexample, a “slot” in light frame as previously described with respect toFIGS. 64A-64B. The slots may be positioned at predetermined distancesfrom the LEDs, thereby allowing a single removable lens to have multiplefocus characteristics (e.g., the 20-degree spot lens, when moved to anadjacent slot, may output an even more-narrow beam, i.e., 12-degree).

Variable brightness may be provided through the use of manual orelectronic control means to adjust the intensity of emitted light, sothat the lighting operator can adjust the overall brightness to suit aparticular lighting setting.

Variable size means that the lighting operator or other user can adjustthe size of the light source. This may be achieved through modular lightpanels. For example, a modular 1 ft×1 ft panel could provide the basisfor a modular light panel system, in which multiple light panels areassembled into larger sizes (e.g., a 2×2 ft. or 1×4 ft., and so on).Assembly of the modular panels may be carried out by, e.g., interlockingtabs, tongue-and-groove, or other mechanical means.

Variable diffusion is conceptually similar to variable color, but wouldinvolve employing a diffusion filtration instead of (or in addition to)the color filtration. If embodied as a compound lens such as illustratedin FIG. 65, the compound lens may have lens elements with strongdiffusion in group one (e.g., 6502 and 6508 in FIG. 65), and lenselements with minimal diffusion in group two (e.g., 6504 and 6506 inFIG. 65). By separately intensifying or dimming between the groups, theactual ambience or “softness” quality of the light becomesuser-selectable.

A versatile lighting system may employ different color LEDs, a compoundfocal/spread lens, a compound color gel or filter, and/or a compounddiffusion lens. Different groups of LEDs may be assigned to theappropriate combinations of color, focus/spreading, and diffusion, sothat control of the intensity of a given group increases the intensityof the desired characteristic.

Certain embodiments have been described with respect to the placement oflamp elements (e.g., LEDs) on a “mounting surface” or similar surface orarea. It will be appreciated that the term “mounting surface” and othersuch terms encompass not only flat surfaces but also contoured, tiered,or multi-level surfaces. Further, the term covers surfaces which allowthe lamp elements to project light at different angles.

Various embodiments have been described as having particular utility tofilm and other image capture applications. However, the variousembodiments may find utility in other areas as well, such as, forexample, automated manufacturing, machine vision, and the like.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein,many variations are possible which remain within the concept and scopeof the invention. Such variations would become clear to one of ordinaryskill in the art after inspection of the specification and the drawings.The invention therefore is not to be restricted except within the spiritand scope of any appended claims.

1. An illumination system, comprising: a light panel comprising a panelframe; a plurality of semiconductor light elements disposed on the panelframe; and an adjustable lens positioned so as to alter a characteristicof the light emitted by the semiconductor light elements.